《Skybound Throne》


 Chapter 1: Prologue

    Chapter 1: Prologue"Skyler, we are all going to die! Give back the dragon''s jewels, you bastard!" S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A loud, desperate voice shouted as the owner of the voice dodged a massive claw by a hair''s breadth that was attempting to tear his body apart.


    "Shit!"


    He rolled over, dirt filling his mouth and coating his hoodie and sweatpants. He had even lost one of his sneakers. And to think he was the transmigrator¡ªsummoned from another universe to change the story! A gray screen, visible only to him, flashed in front of his eyes, mocking him.


    #Keeper of Time: I told you not to change what has already happened once too much, but you didn''t listen. Just don''t die; I have invested a lot in you.


    A flood of curses surged through Zack''s mind as he read the message. Like every young Light running to survive around him, he glared at the youth with ash-brown hair sprinting far ahead of them.


    They were on the brink of death under the dragon''s wrath, all because of that bastard who had wiped its treasury clean!


    If looks could kill, Skyler would have died a thousand times already!


    Another handsome figure opposite Zack shouted at the youth with ash-brown hair.


    "For heaven''s sake! Stop, Skyler!"


    This young man exuded a saintly aura, just like those who wants to save the world, as he rescued another from the dragon''s fiery breath, sustaining injuries in the process.


    Max grabbed his injured arm and ran with the person he just saved.


    His eyes flashed with relief when Skyler glanced back, but the latter''s next words nearly made him want to spit out blood.


    "Nope. I found the jewels, so they are mine. Why should I give them back?"


    Hearing this, Zack felt like shedding tears of blood. He wanted to shout at Max: ''You are the damn protagonist of this story! You can''t even catch a weak Light elementist! Who the hell made you the protagonist!''


    But he could only swallow his grievance. After all, it was 99.99% his fault that the protagonist was no longer the protagonist and his place had been snatched!


    Who the hell said side characters who are meant to die would be good companions and risk their lives for you if you saved them and changed their fate?


    Suddenly, the massive blue dragon, with scales that glistened like sapphires in the sunlight and wings stretching wide enough to cast a shadow over everything in its path, let out a thundering, furious roar, sending chills down everyone''s spine.


    Its long, elegant horns and sharp fangs glimmered as it swung its lengthy tail to obliterate the towering coniferous trees and structures surrounding it, searching for the rat who had stolen its treasures.


    However, it was destined to be disappointed until the end because the rat had already escaped, leaving behind the people who were cursing the said ''rat'' incessantly.


    Hiding inside a small structure made of multiple rocks stacked upon one another in the distance, Skyler peeked out with a pair of innocent blue eyes, gently caressing the numerous rings on his fingers.


    "What a bountiful day it is."


    To understand how the weak ''Light elementist,'' who was declared a waste and destined to live an ordinary human life, is now tormenting the two big shots, we need to go back a few years in time.


    No, no, do not think he is the bad guy. He has suffered a lot, just like all those people with tragic backstories in the novels! His own blood sister, who is currently fighting alongside that Max guy, left him to die!


    And let us not even mention that Zack guy, who changed his op fate and wanted to use him, only to ditch him when he found out he was useless and had no future!


    ***


    *The FEAR we don''t face becomes our LIMITS.* By Skyler Ironhart


    A/N:


    Hey everyone! The author is very nervous starting this new journey, but I will try my best! I hope everyone supports me!

 Chapter 2: The worst typical beginning I

    Chapter 2: The worst typical beginning I"Hehe! The GEMS are mine!"


    An eerie laughter echoed in a medium-seized modern, dimly lit room as a 16-year-old boy with prominent dark circles under his crystal-like blue eyes, tapped non-stop on a gaming console.


    Skyler''s gaze was fixed on the computer screen in front of him, which sparkled with countless colors, as he deliberately¡ªahem, no, accidentally¡ªled all his teammates to their demise after they had defeated all the enemies and the last boss monster.


    Sadly, in the end, only he remained in the game to claim the reward: a massive chest overflowing with gems that were, in truth, of no use to anyone except for their beauty.


    Instantly, the tiny chat box in the corner of the game interface erupted with accusatory messages as his now-dead team members unleashed a barrage of curses.


    Skyler chuckled and, with a swift tap, activated the built-in microphone in the headphones resting on his ears.


    "Come on, guys, how can you doubt me? All of your deaths were truly accidental!"


    Such an innocent tone... it could deceive anyone into believing he was blameless, even if he had sold them right in front of their very eyes. Unfortunately, that didn''t apply to the players in this particular game, where he was quite famous for his devious nature!


    Still, they could only grit their teeth in frustration, knowing very well that this jerk had muted their voices long ago! They had invited ''Player Sky'' to join the team solely because of his exceptional skill, and that''s where they made a mistake!


    They should have listened to the other players who told them that the moment this jerk discovered that the final reward of the game was something sparkling, his entire team would ''accidentally'' die, leaving him as the only survivor to claim the treasure!


    Skyler ignored the chat and watched with glee as his character in the game took the treasure box. But before he could open it, the door to his room was flung open loudly, causing him to jump from his chair.


    His first instinct was to shut his computer by pulling out the plug, but unfortunately, it was already too late. The she-devil had caught him red-handed this time.


    He turned around only to find a beautiful woman clad in a nightgown standing in the doorway with her arms crossed and a stern expression. Skyler mourned the loss of his treasure box mentally, which he hadn''t been able to open, and feigned a gasp, clutching the top of his blue checkered pajamas.


    "Mum! You scared me!"


    The woman narrowed her blue eyes, which were similar to Skyler''s but lacked the clear crystal-like brilliance. Her hair was a mess, showing that she had just woken up.


    "Skyler Ironhart! How many times do I have to tell you not to stay up playing games so late at night? Go to sleep now, or we will be late for the testing center tomorrow!"


    Like a disobedient child pretending to be obedient when they heard their mother call their full name, Skyler nodded instantly. Due to the light streaming in from the door, his ash-brown hair shimmered like dark gold.


    Skyler winced when Riya Ironhart slammed the door of his room shut, silently lighting a candle for his father inwardly. Hopefully, old man Johnson would survive the night. His mother looked extremely pissed.


    Finally, silence returned to the room filled with sparkling trinkets and walls cluttered with poorly executed hand-drawn sketches that seemed to try to capture the essence of runes, talismans, and inscriptions.


    Skyler walked toward his bed, positioned opposite the computer table. It was already 11:55 p.m. at night. He was excited, but he could not stay awake the entire night again.


    Tomorrow, he had a big day ahead! He was finally going to awaken his elemental affinity and potential to become one of the ''Lights''¡ªawakened individuals who fought against monstrous creatures, villains, and entered the famous ''Battle Royale'' that descended a thousand years ago to prevent calamities!


    In Eldoria, one of the safest and most technologically advanced planets in the Universe, where diverse races coexist, every inhabitant¡ªhuman or otherwise¡ªawakens their natural elemental affinity and potential upon reaching the age of 16.


    These elemental affinities are categorized into eight main elements so far: Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Lightning, Space, Light, and Darkness (or Shadow).


    Each of these nine primary elements encompasses its own sub-elements and unique abilities. Like, water can branch into ice, enabling users to manipulate cold temperatures and create snow.


    One can also awaken affinity with more than one element. Individuals who awaken affinity with two natural elements are called dual elementists, those who awaken affinity with three are referred to as tri-elementists, and those with four are known as quadruple elementists, and so on. However, having more than five affinities is extremely rare and has not been seen thus far.


    Lastly, the potential¡ªdefined as an individual''s mortal capacity for growth and development with all the elements they had awakened¡ªis evaluated using a 25-star rating system divided into five tiers:


    Novice (1-5 stars), Adept (6-10 stars), Epic (11-15 stars), Legendary (16-20 stars), and Mythic (21-25 stars). Each star within these five tiers is further divided into three stages: initial, middle, and final.


    Skyler, as the son of a man who is a 8-star dual elementist with a 15-star potential and a woman who is a 7-star tri-elementist with a staggering 18-star potential, has high hopes for his upcoming affinity test. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He has inherited his mother''s beauty and his father''s intelligence, much like his older sister, who awakened as a dual elementist two years ago with a 20-star potential. So, who can blame him for being optimistic?


    That''s why his heart shattered completely the next morning when he went to the sole public testing center in Nowan City with his parents, only to awaken with a single affinity for the ''Light'' element and a mere 1-star potential in front of countless people.


    Many people at the center recorded videos of the scene, chuckling and murmuring words of pity about his misfortune.


    Skyler told himself inwardly that it was okay; again and again, to prevent himself from crying and breaking down in front of his parents and so many others.


    It was uncommon, but he had heard many stories on the news about individuals who discovered ways to enhance their potential. He wouldn''t admit defeat and would find a way to elevate his own potential.


    However, the optimistic and childish youth within him finally died when he saw the look of disappointment and embarrassment on his own older sister''s face. He couldn''t even stop her as she turned and left.


    Jenny Ironhart had returned to Nowan City for the first time in two years since being recruited by the ''Starlight Academy''¡ªthe number one academy on the human continent that trains ''Lights''¡ªas all those with a potential of 15 stars and above are teleported to participate in the Battle Royal, whether they wish to or not, at the age of 20.


    She even brought all her friends along. But who would have thought that Skyler would make her lose face in front of her crush?

 Chapter 3: The worst typical beginning II

    Chapter 3: The worst typical beginning IIAfter a few hours that felt like the longest hours of his life, Skyler sat in the backseat of a sleek white car his father was driving, heading home with his parents. He wore a navy-blue suit that his mother had selected for his special day that morning, but today had become the worst day of his life.


    His family was relatively well-off, but they still lacked the means to afford advanced technology like flying cars, ships, and other famous high-tech vehicles that could float and travel at the speed of light.


    Skyler gazed out the car window. Besides some high-tech flying vehicles, there were numerous crystals of various sizes floating amidst the clouds above Nowan City, just like throughout the entire universe.


    These beautiful crystals served as gateways to other dimensions and realms, filled with a variety of monsters, beasts, and spirits, alongside many treasures. The difficulty or strength of these dimensions and realms is also divided into five tiers: Novice, Adept, Epic, Legendary, and Mythic. The larger the crystal size, the stronger the monsters within and the higher its tier.


    Right now, all the crystals above Nowan City are white, meaning they are stable. If their color turns grey, it indicates a high but manageable number of monsters inside.


    White and grey crystals are open to everyone according to the rules set by the royalty in the human continent. Lights who have awakened are allowed to use them freely as long as their strength is greater than that of the crystal they are entering.


    However, if a crystal turns orange, it indicates that the realm inside requires urgent clearing to prevent a breach. If the orange crystal isn''t cleared in time and turns red, it will shatter, releasing all the monsters inside into the surroundings to wreak havoc. Therefore, only official Lights affiliated with guilds and graduates of the academies are permitted to enter and clear orange crystals to handle the situation.


    These crystals began materializing a few years after the Battle Royale appeared. No one has yet found the reason, but a crystal can materialize out of thin air anytime and anywhere. That''s why citizens are required to undergo basic training to hide and fight in such situations at the age of 10.


    It was true that the inhabitants of the universe could harness the power of natural elements from the beginning, and that monsters and spirits existed within it, but that was an era of peace. The day the ''Battle Royal'' appeared, peace shattered, prompting everyone to desperately seek ways to become stronger.


    Skyler''s fingers itched to touch the crystals, but he looked away. He had always been a fan of sparkling things. It was a desperate urge to hoard them all and never share. But now he wondered if he could ever reach them in this life, let alone touch them.


    The image of his sister''s disappointed and embarrassed face flashed in his mind, and he let out a self-deprecating smile. He took a deep breath and fiddled with his fingers to alleviate the pain in his heart.


    Silence enveloped the car. Riya Ironhart anxiously glanced at her son in the rearview mirror. She couldn''t take it anymore, and to end the silence, she pinched her husband.


    Johnson Ironhart winced but shut his mouth when he noticed her red-rimmed eyes. He was a handsome man in his mid-forties.


    However, just like his beautiful wife, who was the same age as him, he appeared as though he were in his early thirties. This was because everyone''s lifespan extends with each star in strength they ascend in their awakened elements. A typical 1-star elementalist in Eldoria can live a few years longer than the average human lifespan, which is 70 to 90 years.


    Johnson was also one of the two guild leaders of the only Lights'' guild in Nowan City¡ªrenowned institutions that eliminate monsters from other dimensions.


    They can also enter the famous Battle Royal, but after the preliminary challenge, where everyone with a potential of 15-stars or higher is forcefully called at the age of 20, it is up to the Lights to challenge the advanced levels of the Battle Royal.


    He ran his calloused fingers through his dark hair and glanced at his son from the corners of his deep gray eyes. The couple had expected Skyler to complain and cry when he faced such a big setback. But their son hadn''t said anything¡ªnothing at all. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Boy, are you okay?"


    His voice finally broke the silence, and his wife held her breath when she saw Skyler lift his crystal-blue eyes. Her heart sank when he smiled sweetly.


    "I am fine. Don''t worry..."


    He murmured, but his parents'' eyes widened when they didn''t sense even a single fluctuation in his voice. They had been by his side for all 16 years of his life and had seen him cry and laugh. When did their child learn to mask his emotions?


    Johnson sighed and prevented his wife from crying in front of their son to avoid making matters worse. They needed to handle this carefully.


    He parked the car in the parking area outside one of the tall buildings along the straight road where they lived in one of the apartments and stopped Skyler with his hand from getting out of the vehicle.


    He looked back and reached out to ruffle Skyler''s ash-brown hair. His voice was soft but carried a hint of sternness.


    "Sky... We know it''s tough. But Riya and I know that our kids aren''t weak. So, don''t you dare take this setback to heart."


    Skyler nodded, and he went on.


    "You know there are plenty of other paths you can choose? You''re very talented, and it''s clear from all the A''s you have gotten in school just by flipping through your books."


    He chuckled at the end, and the atmosphere in the car lightened because both he and his wife knew that their son had never focused on his studies yet still managed to achieve the highest scores in class throughout his school life. This was the reason why Skyler''s teachers always found themselves tongue-tied and couldn''t complain about him playing games and dozing off in class, even if they wanted to during parent-teacher meetings.


    "We know that you won''t be able to get into any academy that trains Lights now. But my son, with your intelligence, you can easily gain admission to a good college."


    Riya agreed with her husband and reached out to hold Skyler''s hand while her husband continued speaking in a calm voice.


    "How about you explore technology, become an alchemist, or pursue a career as a scholar? These are just some of the jobs you can get. Plus, you could even become a famous game streamer online. Haven''t you always loved games?"


    Riya picked up when he stopped as she tapped Skyler''s hand with a warm smile.


    "Your father and I are always here for you and will support you. It doesn''t matter if you can''t become a strong Light... But..."


    She paused for a moment, swallowing hard while gazing at Johnson with an expression that held secrets they had kept hidden.


    "If you truly want to become a Light, then we can acquire treasures that will help enhance your¡ª"


    Skyler immediately interrupted her.


    "No, mum. I am really fine. If I really have a future where I can become a powerful Light, I will on my own. But if I can''t, then I need to learn to adjust and face the truth."


    Both Riya and Johnson were surprised to see the resolve on his face. They could tell their son had grown up, but they didn''t like how it had happened so suddenly. Still, they hoped he would be okay with time. But they soon realized how wrong they were when he stopped playing games, the one hobby he had once been unable to live without.

 Chapter 4: The worst typical beginning III

    Chapter 4: The worst typical beginning IIISkyler stepped into his room, and the door closed behind him with a click. He pressed the light switch, illuminating the space, and his eyes roamed over the familiar room. He took off his suit jacket, revealing a white shirt underneath, and laid it on the bed.


    Reaching into his pants pocket, he pulled out his smartphone, which he had silenced earlier. As he unlocked it, he noticed a flood of messages from friends, old classmates, and even those he had conflicts with.


    "Hey... Skyler? It''s Zen. I heard you awakened a 1-star potential. Are you okay? I''ve never heard of anyone awakening such a low potential."


    "It''s Riz! The classmate you fought last year! I heard what happened at the testing center! Haha, serves you right!"


    "Skyler! Hurry, check Star-Net! Someone uploaded a video of what happened at the testing center online on many platforms! Now everyone is talking about you!"


    "Bro, are you okay? I heard what happened, and I''m sorry I wasn''t there for you."


    "Remember how I embarrassed myself in front of the class just because I interrupted your stupid game? Today, I finally got my revenge!"


    "Haha, that was harsh. By the way, I awakened as a tri-elementalist with 12-star potential."


    "Skyler, I was in the testing center and saw what happened... but my mom just told me not to talk to you anymore."


    "Just saw the video..."


    There were many more messages, but he couldn''t read any further and roughly threw his phone onto the bed. It bounced before falling onto the tiled floor with a sound that indicated the screen had cracked.


    Stepping back, he collapsed onto the cold floor and stared blankly at the white ceiling before covering his eyes. He didn''t like what had happened, but he wouldn''t cry.


    "The whole city''s laughing at me..."


    "It stings..."


    Skyler clenched his fists. No one was present to notice, but beneath his arm, one of his eyes glowed a deep dark hue while the other radiated a brilliant white, only for the two colors to vanish into the bright, crystal-like blue of his gaze.


    "Still, there''s no way I am going to admit defeat before I even start my journey!"


    He cleared his mind, and his emotions finally began to settle, or perhaps he was simply burying them deep within himself to maintain the aloof facade. Maybe, he had truly grown up in a very short time.


    Raising his slim, pale fingers, he began to try to sense the elemental energy known as ''Evol'' surrounding him. It was an intangible force flowing throughout the universe, one could only perceive and harness once they had awakened their affinity.


    As the vital essence of nature, Evol was crucial for harnessing elemental power. He had heard that Evol has 8 different colors, each corresponding to one of the eight elements that people could control.


    Red Evol represents Fire element, Blue denotes Water, Brown is for Earth, Light Green corresponds to Wind, White is for Lightning, Gray color represents Space, Golden represents Light, and Dark color symbolizes Darkness.


    A person can resonate with the color of Evol that aligns with their awakened affinity and absorb it into their body, but they can''t resonate with other colors.


    No one can forcefully absorb Evol with which they lack affinity. Their bodies simply can''t accommodate it.


    Evol is also utilized to fuel and craft powerful artifacts, strengthen one''s body, and many other powerful things.


    Skyler had learned in school that once someone awakens their affinity, they can finally sense Evol. But it''s not easy.


    It can take months or even years for someone to sense the Evol that resonates with their affinity. It''s even more difficult if one''s potential is low because it is common knowledge that the lower their potential, the harder it is for them to grow stronger, as their capacity for growth is very limited.


    He had awakened affinity with ''Light'' element. Therefore, he could resonate with the golden Evol, but considering his 1-star potential, he knew he had zero chance of sensing it let alone guide it into his body. It would be nothing short of a miracle if he even sensed it in five years.


    Regardless, he closed his eyes and just decided to try his best. If he couldn''t sense it, then that would be it. Therefore, no one could imagine his shock when, after only half an hour of silent concentration, he sensed faint golden particles around his raised fingers with his eyes closed.


    "Huhhh???"


    His eyes snapped open, wide in disbelief. His first thought was maybe... maybe the awakening orb in the testing center made a mistake, and his potential wasn''t so low! But they had checked his potential more than five times because of his parents.


    So how could that be possible? S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He took a deep breath to calm himself and glanced at his fingers, but he couldn''t see or sense anything with his open eyes.


    "I need to be certain... I shouldn''t get my hopes up without any proof, right? Or else it will hurt even more."


    Skyler knew that after sensing Evol, everyone had to guide it into their body and find a suitable pathway for it to form a tiny crystal at the center of their heart. The moment that crystal is formed, one could officially wield their elemental power and achieve the status of a 1-star Novice!


    Individuals who awaken affinity with more than one element need to create a separate crystal for each element. It is up to them to decide which element to prioritize. After all, even though the potential for all awakened elements is the same, it relies on a person''s ability to strengthen them equally.


    Having awakened affinity for just one element, Skyler didn''t have to think about the rest. He just wanted to be sure one last time that he turly had no future as a Light.


    So, he decided to guide the Evol he had sensed in his body to form a crystal. While sensing Evol''s presence is difficult, guiding it into the body is straightforward, as it just requires allowing it to flow in. However, forming a crystal is a very delicate process that requires supervision, but he was too nervous to think about anything else.


    Quickly, he sat down cross-legged and closed his eyes, feeling the tiny golden particles around him. He sat there for many hours, but he failed. He tried multiple times, but the results were always the same. The Evol around him didn''t even budge, let alone enter his body under his guidance. All of this stemmed from his low potential.


    "Haha... what did I even expect?"


    This was the second time in a day that he felt so miserable and suffocated.


    He shouldn''t have held any hope from the start, but he just couldn''t help it... His eyes turned red, and he really wanted to cry, but he held back and scolded himself.


    "Nope, no. How dare I think that the awakening orb made a mistake?"


    It was at that moment that Riya Ironhart, who always barged into his room without permission, knocked softly at the door. She didn''t open the door but said softly.


    "Sky, dinner is ready. Come out and eat with your dad and me. We don''t want you to get sick. You even skipped lunch."


    Skyler held his breath and replied in a measured tone.


    "Mum, I will be out for dinner; just give me a minute to wash my hands."


    She left, and he lightly slapped his cheeks before taking a minute to wash his hands and straighten his clothes, wanting to look presentable so as not to worry his parents.

 Chapter 5: The worst typical beginning IV

    Chapter 5: The worst typical beginning IVSkyler walked out of his room. The square dining table in the three-room apartment was positioned directly in front of the high kitchen counter, facing the spacious living room, which featured a set of sofas and a large LED TV on the opposite side.


    He dragged one of the five empty chairs around the table and sat down. His father was already seated at the head of the table with a cup of coffee, browsing through his phone to check guild matters. Since the food and cutlery were already arranged on the table, Riya sat down opposite him.


    Skyler was somewhat surprised when he saw that his mother had made his favorite spicy chicken wraps. He reached out for them directly, without even glancing at the egg sandwiches or the salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers.


    Riya rolled her eyes. She wanted to reprimand him, knowing he wouldn''t eat anything else, especially vegetables, but she let him off the hook for today.


    The moment they were done eating, his father pulled out a small gift box from his shirt pocket. He and his wife had prepared it as a gift for their son''s special day but hadn''t been able to present it to him.


    Before Johnson could hand it to him, his son decided to drop a bombshell.


    "I sensed Evol."


    Johnson choked on his breath, and Riya, who was pouring orange juice from a jug into her glass, overfilled it. He coughed a few times as Riya stood up to pat his back while questioning her son.


    "What?"


    "I said I sensed Evol."


    Alright, they didn''t hear wrong. But the dilemma was how? Even Jenny Ironhart, their daughter and Skyler older sister who had awakened a 20-star potential for her elements, took a full week to sense it.


    Johnson calmed down and looked at his son with a serious expression. It sounded unbelievable, but they knew Skyler wouldn''t lie about such a big thing.


    "I hope you didn''t try to form a crystal without our presence. You know it''s a very dangerous process."


    Skyler blinked and glanced at the box his father had taken out of his pocket.


    "I didn''t... I can just sense the golden Evol, not guide it into my body."


    Johnson narrowed his eyes sharply. He knew his son too well to believe he wasn''t lying. The boy had definitely tried to form a crystal alone. Now, he wasn''t sure whether to feel grateful or not that his son hadn''t been able to guide Evol into his body.


    He pushed the box toward Skyler with furrowed brows and stern eyes.


    "This is for you. And don''t do anything reckless again. If you are able to guide Evol into your body, tell me. I will supervise and help you form a crystal."


    Skyler nodded, took the box, and left for his room. Only when he entered his room did his mother speak in a hurried tone.


    "Honey! I am sure there is something special about Skyler that we aren''t able to see. Treasures that enhance one''s potential are rare to find, but we can search for them to help him. If we can''t find them, then..."


    She bit her lower lip as if she were making the biggest decision of her life.


    "How about we ask for my mother''s help? I know it''s selfish of me after I left her side, but should we contact the Queen? We can send Skyler to the Royal Castle. She may hate me, but she will help her grandson."


    Johnson sighed and pulled his wife to sit down. He wanted to agree... but they had assessed Skyler''s potential multiple times at the public testing center. The awakening orb couldn''t make mistakes so many times. He had even secretly used an old artifact, but the results were the same.


    Just as his wife mentioned, Riya was one of the five children of the reigning Queen of the human continent.


    While there was a government in place, it functioned under the monarchy that had ruled the human lands for centuries.


    Several hundred years ago, all lower noble statuses were abolished, leaving only three loyal Duke families and Marquis families.


    These families are now the richest in the entire continent, second only to the royal family. The current heads of these families are some of the most powerful Lights, and they act as the six main leaders of the government, overseeing the continent.


    All the rules and regulations in the human continent are set by the royal family, and the six noble families implement them.


    Riya had left the royal family to avoid the bloody war that started when the Queen asked her five children to fight and prove themselves to determine who, after her, would be the next leader of the throne.


    It was then that she met Johnson in his guild as a young Light. They entered many dimensions together to fight monsters and save people, fell in love, and eventually settled down for a normal life.


    This was the first time she had thought about contacting her mother, knowing that Skyler had always wanted to be one of the best Lights, just like her daughter. She would do anything for her kids.


    Johnson patted her hand.


    "Calm down, dear. You are right, but we can''t send Skyler to the Royal Castle. It''s too dangerous with your siblings vying for the throne. The Queen would love her grandson, but you know her rules: one must protect themselves."


    At the same time, Skyler, who had yet to fully close the door to his room: "...."


    Their apartment had soundproof walls; it seemed that was why his parents didn''t set up a noise-canceling barrier around them, assuming he had returned to his room.


    So, all in all, he is the grandson of the current Queen of the Continent? Really?


    Damn, why does his life suddenly sound like a plot twist from one of those fiction novels he liked to read?


    Is he going to start battling dragons and sipping tea at royal parties next?


    Skyler shuddered involuntarily. With his meager 1-star potential, he should better steer clear of royalty, or he knew he would die young, considering he had seen online how his grandmother was a vicious and powerful Light with no heart.


    His father continued, but he finally closed his door entirely when he heard Johnson Ironhart''s next words.


    "...Also, even if we and your mother managed to acquire rare treasures, it wouldn''t enhance Skyler potential by more than a few stars. You know treasures can only be effective to a certain extent."


    Skyler dropped down beside his door and hid his face under his right arm.


    He knew that treasures could only enhance a person''s potential to a certain extent... he understood. He just didn''t dare to admit it.


    But it still stung so badly.


    "Well, I already told them not to search for treasures for me, and I won''t change my mind. This is my life and my battle."


    With a deep breath, he finally opened the gift box his parents had given him. His eyes widened when he saw a blue ring engraved with a hammer nestled inside the box. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This..."


    How could he not recognize it? This was a storage ring¡ªa famous item everywhere!


    These rings were created by dwarves from the Dwarven Continent¡ªa race known for their short stature and craftsmanship.


    They are crafted using the space element and have a spatial pocket that holds items without adding weight¡ªexcept for living beings. They come in various sizes, with larger spaces being more expensive.


    He had always wanted one, but since they were much pricier than the spatial pouches available everywhere and only those who could wield Evol could use them, his parents never bought him one.


    Skyler''s face fell again as he remembered that he couldn''t use Evol yet. He needed to form a crystal before he could harness it.


    "I guess I can''t use it yet... let alone find out how much space this little ring has."

 Chapter 6: The Battle Royal I

    Chapter 6: The Battle Royal ITwo years later, at 4th Nowan High, the top college in all of Nowan City; a pair of blue eyes, shimmering like the ocean under the sun, fluttered closed tightly as their owner leaned back casually against the white wall that separated him from the group of girls mocking him on the other side.


    Among the girls stood a silver-haired beauty, radiating an air of arrogance; her once-sweet demeanor now broken.


    "I told you I don''t like Skyler. He''s good-looking, but he has no future as a Light with his 1-star potential. We all have low potential, but his is the worst of all! The reason I stick around him is that his face looks like it belongs on a magazine cover! Which girl wouldn''t want a handsome top student running errands for her?"


    Everyone around her giggled, thoroughly enjoying themselves, as one of them, a bit shorter in height, leaned in to whisper.


    "But he seems to like you. What if he confesses to you in front of the class? What are you going to do, Ava?"


    The silver-haired beauty scoffed with pure disdain and toyed with the tips of her hair that cascaded down her shoulders.


    "Tsk, so what? I am going to reject him in front of everyone if he does. Kai from next class likes me and has a much brighter future than he does. Why would I want to waste my life with someone like him?"


    Skyler chuckled. He didn''t like this girl, but he was thoroughly amused by this group. Two years ago, after his affinity test, he worked hard and got into the top college.


    He still hadn''t decided which career he wants to pursue; that''s why he selected all courses available for the students.


    He stopped playing games. Instead, he started exercising in his father''s guild gym every day to strengthen his body and learn hand-to-hand combat from the Lights. This way, he would at least be strong enough to protect himself in danger, even though he has no future as a Light.


    His parents did not change even after he was declared a waste in front of so many, and his tragic testing day became the top search in all of Nowan City. They were able to use their influence in the city to remove the videos people took of him that day, but they couldn''t erase them completely.


    Those videos kept resurfacing on various online platforms, with people laughing in the comments about how someone had awakened a 1-star potential¡ªthe lowest ever seen on the entire continent.


    That''s why his face is well-known throughout the city, even more than the actors. Even the old aunt selling soup and noodles outside the college gate knew about the shit that went down in his life.


    All his old friends severed ties with him. Many of them passed the exams and got accepted into prestigious academies, while some cut ties because their parents didn''t want them associating with someone with no future. Others simply believed he was beneath them to engage with.


    If someone had asked him 2 years ago, he would have said he was an extrovert with a massive circle of friends. However, now he had no friends and wouldn''t talk to anyone unless necessary¡ªa typical example of an extreme introvert. But he knew he wasn''t. He just thought it was a waste of time.


    Upon entering college, he noticed that everyone avoided him like the plague. This explains why he spoke to the silver-haired girl when she offered to be his friend. No, the true reason was her long silver hair. He still liked shiny and beautiful things, especially those that sparkled.


    Skyler suddenly cleared his throat loudly to get the attention of the girls snickering on the college terrace and revealed himself.


    "Don''t misunderstand. I don''t like anyone, and from now on, don''t talk to me."


    Immediately, the group of girls shut their mouths, startled to hear his voice.


    Ava, the girl he supposedly liked, had her face turn ugly upon seeing him. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She wanted to salvage the situation, knowing that his family was quite rich and his parents were powerful Lights who held significant influence in Nowan City. But he left without even glancing at her, making her grit her teeth and shout.


    "Who wants to talk to a loser anyway!"


    Skyler didn''t look back and ignored her completely. He descended the stairs to the lower floor and walked through the corridor lined with classrooms, where students in similar white button-down shirts and blue pants uniforms as his were walking.


    The students avoided him, but many of them couldn''t help but peek at him. That was to be expected. Although Skyler was somewhat shorter than the other boys his age, he was undeniably handsome, with a lean yet well-defined physique. He was already finished with his classes for the day, so he left and took a ride home.


    As he entered the apartment and sat down to take off his sneakers, he heard the noise coming from the TV in the background.


    Multiple news anchors were addressing a critical issue affecting the continent.


    "So, even Argon and his large team, the strongest Lights on the human continent, have failed to clear the 51st level of ''Battle Royal''. Will another calamity descend if no one can clear that level?"


    Another grim voice echoed.


    "The last calamity descended on Eldoria ninety years ago. It was a massive wave of flying monsters that surged from a crack. They killed many and destroyed a lot of cities... What will happen this time?"


    Her voice was followed by another.


    "Why so pessimistic? The powerful Lights from the other continents haven''t tried yet. We still have many years ahead. The Battle Royal isn''t physically present. Young Lights who are forcefully summoned to participate in the preliminary test at the age of 20 and pass the test are the only individuals who can enter it anytime through the link."


    "They are the ones clearing its next levels like every other planet in the Universe, and if a level isn''t cleared for 30 years, a calamity will descend on the planet. We, the people of Eldoria, still have 28 long years to clear 51st level of the Battle Royal."

 Chapter 7: The Battle Royal II

    Chapter 7: The Battle Royal IISkyler wore his slippers and glanced back at the LED TV in the living room. He didn''t have much knowledge, but he had learned the history of the Battle Royal. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the news anchors reported, it wasn''t present anywhere in the universe but was speculated to exist in a much higher realm.


    A thousand years ago, a loud and aloof female voice echoed throughout the entire universe, announcing to all its inhabitants that their universe was eligible to participate in the Battle Royal and that every planet in their universe would be linked to it. They were required to first pass the preliminary test and then complete its levels.


    The rules stated that each level of Battle Royale must be cleared within 30 years. Failing to do so would result in calamities¡ªand ultimately, total annihilation.


    At first, no one took the voice seriously, but they soon regretted it when all 20-year-old youngsters with a potential of 15-stars and higher suddenly vanished. That marked the first time the balance of the universe was thrown into complete chaos.


    The parents and relatives of all those youngsters descended into panic and wanted their children back. But before they could comprehend anything, the familiar, aloof female voice echoed throughout the universe once more. This time, the voice informed everyone that the first batch of eligible participants from each planet had been sent to participate in the preliminary test, and that this cycle would continue from that point forward.


    Many participants died during the preliminary test; some failed, while others succeeded. Those who returned, however, had become more powerful and acquired multiple powerful treasures. They explained that they had suddenly seen a gray screen informing them of their eligibility. Without their consent, they were then transported to another place and got a weird system.


    Those who cleared the initial test were informed by the system that they had established a permanent connection with it. With this link, they could return to the Battle Royal at any time. They were informed that they could now freely navigate the 1st level to conquer it and ascend higher.


    Unlike the preliminary test, this time they needed to survive and complete the levels. Additionally, now they could enter and exit the Battle Royal whenever they wanted.


    Those participants who failed the preliminary test could no longer enter the Battle Royal. Nevertheless, every year, new participants aged 20 with 15-stars or more potential would be teleported to participate in the preliminary test.


    It was then that the universe believed the voice. Some were greedy for the treasures, while others sought the power that came with participating in the Battle Royal.


    Unfortunately, the older generation that preceded its descent could not take part. Therefore, they trained their young for the future the moment their kids awakened.


    Over time, everyone discovered that the threat of calamities was also real. Planets that failed to clear the 1st level of the Battle Royal within 30 years faced calamities.


    With each new level of the Battle Royal climbed by a planet, they were required to clear it within the 30-year time limit.


    There were limitations, however. A participant in the Battle Royal could only enter and fight at the next level if they had cleared the previous one. They couldn''t access next levels cleared by others. For instance, only those who had climbed to the 10th level could navigate at that level. Moreover, no one knew exactly how many levels existed in the Battle Royal, but the people of Eldoria had cleared 50 levels so far, with their strongest Lights currently struggling to clear the 51st level.


    Skyler wanted to turn off the TV, but his mother stopped him from the kitchen with a worried yet excited look on her face.


    "Don''t, Sky. Your sister is going to be teleported to participate in the preliminary test of the Battle Royal soon. As usual, all the academies have given their students video broadcasting artifacts to watch and broadcast the performance everywhere. I heard this channel is going to feature the Starlight Academy students."


    She quickly took the remote from him and settled down on the sofa across from the TV, calling her husband to check when he would return home, planning that they would all sit and watch together.


    In the past, no one could oversee what happened in Battle Royale. But with time, Eldoria, with its advanced technology, has created several artifacts that let them watch the events happening in Battle Royale.


    Riya was worried about her daughter. However, the death rate in the preliminary test has decreased significantly, nearly by 95%, since the academies now provide tiny location tracking devices to their students and instruct them to group together. So, she felt confident that her daughter would be able to pass it with ease.


    Amidst all her nervousness and worry, she overlooked the fact that Skyler''s expression had grown stiff. He glanced at his mother and didn''t settle down next to her.


    It had been two years since Skyler last talked to his older sister.


    He had her contact in his phone and had heard her speaking with their parents, but he couldn''t bring himself to reach out.


    She also hadn''t reached out, and he understood exactly why. He had seen the look of shame on her face when she left that day after he awakened.


    Jenny Ironhart didn''t want to keep in touch with her brother who made her lose face.


    Skyler had nearly forgotten that she would participate in the Battle Royal with everyone this year since she had recently turned 20.


    He hummed. Such is fate. One child from the household will ascend to the top, while the other will end up at the bottom.


    With a low chuckle, he turned to get some water to drink in the kitchen.


    "Mom, Jenny isn''t the only one. Many students from various academies and young people around 20 years old from across the universe are participating as well. The test usually lasts from a week to a month... Just how are you going to keep track of all that?"


    Riya hushed him, not really caring if she could even see Jenny on TV. She simply wanted to keep an eye on everything. At this time of the day, she normally assisted her husband in the guild, but she had taken a vacation specifically for this reason.


    Skyler tsked inwardly. His sister had awakened a 20-star potential, but Jenny isn''t the only one with high potential, nor is she some kind of main character. So, why would Jenny Ironhart performance be the only one highlighted and broadcast when there are so many others?


    If only he knew that his older sister was indeed one of the main characters on the protagonist team and that her performance, along with her team''s, would be a heated topic across the entire continent, he would never have dared to think so petty.


    "Alright, good luck finding her. I''m going to take a nap. Will cheer for you in my sleep."

 Chapter 8: The Battle Royal III

    Chapter 8: The Battle Royal IIIRiya blinked at her son''s retreating back. She wanted to ask him, ''Aren''t you going to watch?'' but held back and sighed.


    "I don''t want my children to grow distant because of their different paths. I need to speak with Jenny and ask that brat to come back home after the test and spend some quality time with her brother."


    She was watching TV when Johnson Ironhart returned home. He held a small wooden box in his hand, and his face was a mask of exhaustion, as if it had taken him a great deal of effort to acquire it.


    Sensing the item inside, Riya''s eyes widened, and she sat up straight.


    "Tri-color flower of brilliance? How did you get this thing...?"


    Johnson chuckled. He had been trying to pull some strings with the help of the guild for a year when he learned that a Light in the city had gotten their hands on it.


    It was a rare herb valued at a fortune, capable of enhancing someone''s potential by 1-star, but it only worked for those with potential lower than 3-stars. That''s how he acquired it; otherwise, who wouldn''t want such a powerful treasure?


    "It''s for Sky. It''s been two years. You think I can''t see that he''s hiding his feelings?"


    Riya''s eyes softened and she let out a smile as she rushed toward her son''s room.


    "I will call him!"


    In her haste, she flung open the door of his room, which she hadn''t done in two years, and stepped inside with an excited look.


    "Sky¡ª"


    Her words trailed off when she noticed the vacant room, and the off lights.


    "Skyler? Sky?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a frown, Riya checked the bathroom. Only then did she notice the empty bed that still felt warm to the touch.


    Her loud shout echoed throughout the apartment as she called for her husband, startling the entire building.


    "Honey!!! Sky isn''t in his room!"


    ***


    Not long ago, Skyler settled onto his bed, facing the computer table that had gone unused for the past two years.


    Normally, at this time of year, he would go to his father''s guild to train. But today, for some reason, he felt too tired. It was 3:00 PM, so he decided to take a short nap before heading to the guild to train.


    With that thought, he put his phone away, turned off the lights, and fell asleep under the comfort of his blanket. Today had truly been an exhausting day.


    Just as he fell asleep, a faint gray light illuminated above his bed. A transparent, blinking square screen emerged from the light, displaying many blaring red warning signs on its surface. But since it didn''t make noise, he didn''t hear anything.


    Well, even if it had made noise, he would not have woken up. He was a heavy sleeper; that was the main reason why he had set more than three alarms on his phone.


    A minute later, the transparent screen calmed down, and white text began to appear on its gray surface.


    (Loading...


    Name: Skyler Ironhart...


    Age: 18 Error... Normal requirements: 20 years not fulfilled... Forcefully fullfiled by the ''Keeper of Time.''


    Checking potential... (Exceeds required limits 15-star) Currently locked... Error... Requirements not fulfilled... Forcefully fulfilled by the ''Keeper of Time.''


    Congratulations, participant! You are eligible to participate in the preliminary test to qualify for the true Battle Royale: 3,000 Thrones and one Supreme seat above them all! Fight and complete the trials, or face calamities that could destroy your world!


    Please prepare yourself. Your personal system will guide you with further details in the testing ground. You will be transported to the preliminary test area in 1 minute...


    30 seconds... 10 seconds... 2 seconds...


    Teleportation process completed.)

 Chapter 9: Special Spirit Constitution I

    Chapter 9: Special Spirit Constitution IHis room had suddenly become breezy, Skyler thought as he turned his face away, feeling a sticky sensation on his cheek.


    He assumed Riya Ironhart was sprinkling water on him to wake him, forgetting that she hadn''t done this for the past 2 years.


    "Mom... just a few more minutes..."


    With that mumble, he tried to find his blanket, feeling rather cold, but his hand grasped only empty air.


    "Huh...?"


    Suddenly, goosebumps flared on his body, and Skyler knew something was seriously wrong, so his eyes snapped open.


    Now imagine his shock when he saw a wide-open jaw filled with razor-sharp teeth, ready to bite his head off. His heart skipped a beat, and he froze for a second, but as the jaw inched closer, his instincts kicked in.


    He curled his fingers into fists, grabbing whatever he could find¡ªwhich at that time was patches of grass and soil¡ªand hurled them at the fox-like monster trying to eat him in the most literal sense possible.


    The reddish-yellow monster recoiled sharply and snapped its eyes shut with a loud, high-pitched growl.


    It was a fight or flight moment for Skyler, and naturally, he chose flight!


    He rolled back on the rocky, grassy ground, entirely forgetting his mild clean freak side, which he would soon regret, and jumped to his feet before running straight ahead, only to collide face-first into a pine tree.


    Skyler hissed and rubbed his nose. He moved back instinctively but stepped onto a sharp rock and yelped, as the pain was intensified since his feet were bare.


    "Shit...!"


    The monster watching him: "...."


    System 505, who wanted to make its appearance seeing its host awake: "...."


    Skyler seriously wanted to pick a fight with whoever sent him here without shoes! To make matters worse, he was still wearing his college uniform!


    But now was not the right time!


    Without looking back, he ran away and disappeared into the rows of pine trees.


    The monster watching finally snapped out. It let out an angry roar and wanted to follow the human, but upon hearing the sounds of multiple footsteps approaching, it ran back into the trees in the opposite direction.


    Running for a few long minutes, Skyler finally came to a stop, panting heavily. His stamina was good, but his heart felt like it would burst out at any moment. He had seen monsters before on TV and at his father''s guild. But those creatures had always been either dead or far away! He wiped the sweat from his forehead and took a second to compose himself.


    "Where the hell am I? What''s going on? Ha... Last I remember, I went to sleep¡ª"


    His words were cut short as 505 finally showed up. A gray transparent screen he had only heard about on TV materialized before his eyes, visible only to him.


    ("Welcome, esteemed host, to the preliminary test of the Battle Royale! I am System 505, your personal system who will guide you as long as you are alive!") Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler blinked as he saw the screen. He read the white text displayed on its surface, and his mouth fell open in silent disbelief.


    It took him several long seconds to comprehend what he was seeing, and he wanted to exclaim, ''What?? Come again?'' but the words just wouldn''t come. It took him a another minute to find his voice.


    "Battle Royale...? But I''m not eligible!"


    His voice turned sharp at the end, only for him to shut his mouth when he heard the faint yet clear sounds of roars. His heart skipped a beat for the second time.


    "No... that can''t be..."


    He whispered nervously. His potential was 1-star lower than 15-stars, and he was only 18 years old! Doesn''t the Battle Royale only summon those every year who are 20?


    "Right?"


    The system, which was already linked to him, could read his expression and was also confused when it saw his age and potential, but it responded accordingly.


    ("That is what happened; please accept it. 505 does not want to lose its 1889th host so soon. You are currently standing in the preliminary test area of the Battle Royale.")


    Skyler took a deep breath. He rubbed one foot over the other in nervousness.


    "Okay, I accept. Now tell me why."


    His words were so resolute and calm that even 505 was taken aback. Wasn''t this the same human who had been in disbelief just a moment ago? Why the sudden change?


    What the system didn''t know was that Skyler had watched Lights train for every situation in his father''s guild. Of course, he would pick up a thing or two. Moreover, he could hear the sounds of monsters nearby, so he wanted to understand his situation as soon as possible to ensure he wouldn''t die.


    Regardless, the system informed him of everything as it was its duty, even though it was crying inwardly that it had once again been linked with a host who didn''t seem to have any chance of passing.


    ("As I mentioned earlier, I am 505, your personal guide. I don''t know the specific reason why the host is here, but if you are here, it means you are eligible. I was linked to you the instant you arrived here. Whether this link can be permanent depends on the host winning the preliminary test. You can talk to me and use my functions only in the Battle Royale. To see them, just say ''status,'' and you will receive all the information about yourself and my capabilities.")


    Skyler first concealed himself behind a cluster of tall pine trees as he could hear the sounds of footsteps and voices that didn''t belong to beasts but to people, and he read the text before whispering softly.


    "... Status."


    His heart was racing in his ribcage as he waited silently, and when he got the results, he nearly forgot to breathe.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 0-star (Final stage)


    2) Darkness: (Locked)


    3) ???


    Overall Strength: 0-star


    Potential: 1-star Novice


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''... Loading... attempting to retrieve related information. Found. The host can increase his potential by forming his first elemental crystal, but the specifics of how much and what happens afterward are not detailed in the database.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: None


    System 505 Functions:


    - System Store (Locked; will be unlocked once at the end of the preliminary test and permanently only if the host passes.)


    - System Points: 00 (Can be earned by defeating monsters, clearing the Battle Royal preliminary test and levels, and from higher beings if anyone wishes to make the host their servant, disciple, or heir.)


    _______

 Chapter 10: Special Spirit Constitution II

    Chapter 10: Special Spirit Constitution IISkyler''s eyes were fixed on his potential. He ignored everything else, and after a long silence, he let out a sardonic laugh.


    "So... my potential is locked? I am not a waste with 1-star potential... Did I suffer so much over the past 2 years only to discover it was for nothing?"


    System 505: Did its host go crazy?


    It was speechless when Skyler grinned widely to himself, thinking what there was to be happy about 0-star strength.


    "But what is Special Spirit Constitution?"


    He murmured, and the system replied.


    ("According to the database, it''s a type of body structure that is unique and distinct from the normal. People are not born with it; it can only be acquired if one''s soul has dipped in the Mythic Spirit Pool in the World of Spirits before death in their past life. I''m not sure how the host obtained it. Perhaps you were a strong spirit in your past life?")


    Skyler stood up with a giddy and excited smile. He didn''t believe in past lives since one can''t remember them; rather, he firmly believed in the present and in a single life that ends when one dies.


    But no matter how he was born with this body structure, it''s a good thing, right?


    Something inside him stirred when the system mentioned ''past life,'' but it was so faint that even the strongest beings in his universe couldn''t sense it. Perhaps those higher beings could sense it, but they were all too busy betting on who would die and who would ascend to higher levels in the Battle Royale, except for a few bored ones who had free time to look for servants and promising seedlings in weaker universes.


    However, one thing was clear: many of them were going to regret not discovering this soon, because an individual from one of the smallest universes had taken his first step onto a path to become a candidate for ''The Skybound Throne''¡ªthe sole supreme seat, ranked above the remaining 3,000 Thrones that everyone was vying for.


    To make matters worse, the person in question was not even meant to walk this path¡ªbut now his fate had changed to one that would shine even brighter, all thanks to a certain transmigrator and his master.


    Skyler suppressed his excitement and glanced at the section ''elemental affinity with'' in the status displayed before him.


    "I only awakened the Light element. Can you explain why the Darkness element is shown in my status as locked? There are also some question marks beneath it?"


    This time, 505 took a moment to reply.


    ("If the Darkness element is shown in the host''s status, that means you can wield it, but certain requirements must be met to do that, which I don''t know since I couldn''t find anything. As for the question marks, those indicate that you have an affinity for more elements beyond those displayed, but 505 isn''t sure which or how many.")


    Skyler stayed still for a moment but then clenched his fist and raised it to the sky in an excited and challenging manner. He wanted to jump too, but since he wasn''t wearing shoes, he resisted the urge.


    "Now that I am no longer a waste, don''t blame me for becoming the best!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn''t know who the hell had teleported him here when he wasn''t even eligible, but that person had made a big mistake they would regret deeply, and he would make sure to take great pleasure in it!


    He chuckled again, feeling the happiest he had felt over the past two years. One of his eyes flashed with an inky dark gleam, while the other sparkled with a bright white hue that faded into the blue of his gaze.


    "Tell me, system! What do I need to do to clear this preliminary test? You bet! I am determined to excel in this trial!"


    Seeing the confidence oozing from his entire being, 505 felt a spark of hope. It seemed its host wasn''t entirely hopeless and wouldn''t die easily!


    Maybe there''s still a chance for it to finally break free from this wretched preliminary test area and ascend to higher levels of the Battle Royal like many other systems?


    ("Host! You can call me 505!


    This year''s test is rather easy! To pass, you just need to fill the monster-killing meter within the given time limit:


    Kill monsters: 300/0 (Regardless of star and strength)


    Time limit: 30 days


    It''s not difficult at all! 505 can help you locate the monsters!")


    Skyler finally lowered his raised hand. He had gone too far ahead of himself. It''s better to stay down to earth.


    "300 monsters? In 30 days?"


    He asked to be sure he saw correctly, and the gray screen before him flashed as 505 responded eagerly, a bit influenced by his earlier overconfidence.


    ("Yes! I can sense a 2-star water and earth dual element monster just a few feet behind the host! Let''s go defeat it!")


    Skyler: "...."


    He glanced at his current strength, which was 0-stars, and then at his only unlocked elemental affinity, which was also 0-stars, before glancing back. He was met with a pair of glowing eyes peering at him as if he were the most delicious lunch ever.


    "Shit!"


    The massive green frog, which had been eyeing him for a long minute, leaped at him, and he rolled in the other direction.


    A loud shout erupted in the forest as he jumped to his feet and began to run.


    "505!! Do you want to get me killed so badly??"

 Chapter 11: Where is he?

    Chapter 11: Where is he?After Skyler left the area, a figure in a deep-purple shirt printed with two golden words ''Starlight Academy'' on the front stepped out from the pine trees.


    "Where is he?"


    The 20-year-old man with short dark hair and silver eyes scanned his surroundings, clearly looking for someone. A gray screen, flashed before his eyes, and it didn''t belong to the system that everyone who had entered the preliminary test received.


    #Keeper of Time: He should be here. He wasn''t eligible, but I forcefully made him.


    Zack knitted his brows deeply. He was searching for none other than Skyler.


    He had asked the Keeper of Time to teleport that youth near him. He can track the other two side characters he selected for his team using the academy''s tracker, as they all belong to the same academy.


    However, he can''t locate that Light Elementist. Skyler is crucial for his team because he will be the healer. After all, Light is the only element renowned for its healing properties, so those who awaken an affinity with it typically choose to become healers.


    Not finding anyone in the vicinity, he inwardly blamed the Keeper of Time, who was also his master in name, for failing to perform even such a simple task properly, and another screen flashed before him.


    #Keeper of Time: I did what you asked. I even went so far as to interfere personally, which cost me a lot. Don''t you think you''re altering fate too much? The three of them are fated to die: two in this testing ground and the last one in the outside world.


    Zack chuckled and waved his hand to dispel the transparent gray screen.


    "I am not interfering with the protagonist and his team. I am just choosing good side characters who had no role in the story you made me read before bringing me here to take over this body, which died after being beaten up by the protagonist for trying to flirt with one of the female leads."


    He hissed at the memory of that jerk punching him in the face in front of the entire class. The original owner of the body was dead, and that was what he endured when he arrived in this world to occupy this body. Transmigration is truly hard.


    "I was brought here to make sure the protagonist doesn''t repeat what he did last time to save his world and reverse time. Let me handle it my way; if not, then just send me back to my world. I don''t like that Max guy. I am sure I will break his nose if he shows up in front of me."


    He punched Max in his mind and walked forward to search for his team''s healer. The silence in the air was broken when another screen flashed in front of his eyes.


    #Keeper of Time: You really want to go back? You were an orphan to begin with, a nobody, and everything finally ended when you were killed by the man your girlfriend was cheating on you with.


    Zack didn''t show any emotion and simply showed the screen his middle finger. It had been a few months since he arrived in this world, but he had no lingering regrets. After all, before his death, he made sure he killed that witch and the man who took his life.


    "Who wants to go back? I am just saying that if you won''t let me do things my way, I can always choose not to do it. Now help me find Skyler. Or just fuck off."


    He stopped when he saw an ugly frog monster in front of him and manipulated the light green Evol to form a sharp wind blade for an attack. However, the frog fled when it sensed his strength.


    "Just where the hell did Skyler go? Don''t tell me he''s already dead. I didn''t ask you to bring him here just for him to die!"


    #Keeper of Time: He is nearby.


    Zack hurriedly followed the direction indicated by the screen. Honestly, both he and the Keeper of Time do not know much about Skyler, aside from his name and the fact that he''s the younger brother of one of the protagonist''s harem members. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler was mentioned only once in the storyline that the Keeper of Time gathered after expending ninety percent of his power and breaking many rules of nature to learn everything about the initial timeline, which was reversed by the protagonist.


    He compiled everything into a book and titled it ''Fate of Eldoria,'' which Zack read as a novel before his death in his past life. It mentioned in one of the paragraphs:


    So, Skyler Ironhart died at the age of 20 when an Epic-tier red crystal materialized out of thin air near his house and shattered, unleashing countless powerful beasts into the outside world to wreak havoc. A person who was destined to be the greatest Light Elementist in this universe perished. Why? Because he jumped into danger to save others and those he loved, and his sister couldn''t arrive in time to provide help.


    Zack shook his head as he recalled this.


    Skyler Ironhart was mentioned only once in the novel to indicate that he had died. What impact did his death have? It served as one of the catalysts that brought his older sister more closer to the male protagonist.


    His fate was even more pitiful than Zack''s past life. However, now that Zack was here, he would allow Skyler to join his team and improve the life of that pitiful and miserable side character, who wasn''t even considered canon fodder in his sister''s love story.


    Unfortunately, for some reason, even after an entire day of roaming around, he wasn''t able to find his future personal healer.

 Chapter 12: It’s just like a real gem

    Chapter 12: It''s just like a real gemSitting in a gap among a cluster of tree trunks, Skyler let out a sneeze and rubbed his nose with furrowed brows.


    "Who is talking about me?"


    He murmured softly as he peeked out to survey his surroundings. He had narrowly escaped that frog monster, which had been intent on devouring him. In the process, he had even scraped his knees.


    "Must be Mom and Dad. After all, I disappeared from my room. Hope they''re not too worried about me."


    By his side, 505 was crying silently, now certain it had no chance of ever ascending to the first level of the Battle Royal, let alone passing the preliminary test! This time as well, it had been linked to a useless host!


    Skyler hid himself when he heard the distinct sound of footsteps. He knew they were the other participants who had been teleported here just like him to take part in the preliminary test of the Battle Royale. This was the fourth time he had heard people roaming the forest.


    He felt uneasy as he glanced at his body. His college uniform was slightly torn in a few places and dirty from running around and sweating. He needed clothes, shoes, and food if he wanted to survive. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How do people even endure this..."


    His mild clean freak side was finally showing as he dusted off his clothes.


    "Ugh, I need a bath."


    He murmured as he rolled up the hems of his pants and cleaned the blood from his scraped knees to alleviate the discomfort.


    It was at that moment that 505 decided to speak up, unable to tolerate it any longer.


    ("Host! Half a day has passed since you arrived here! At this rate, you will fail!")


    Skyler hissed at the system.


    "You nearly got me killed earlier! Can''t you see my current strength? How can I fight a 2-star monster and survive when I am not even 1-star? Stay silent! And keep a watch on the surroundings. Tell me if anyone or any monsters are near me!"


    505 ran off to complain in the systems'' chat group. In the midst of the session of complaints, it sensed a monster in Skyler''s vicinity and returned to inform him.


    ("There''s a 1-star earth-element raccoon monster nearby. It is moving toward your hiding location.")


    Skyler read the text on the screen and immediately became alert. He glanced out from his hiding place and saw the monster. It was gray in color and about his size, with dark eyes and elongated canine teeth. But what attracted him the most was the brown, gem-like stone in the center of its forehead.


    505 thought he would run again. But no, it was wrong. This time, Skyler didn''t run; he stared fixedly at the monster.


    Before the system could comprehend anything, Skyler had already leaped out of his hiding place, broke a sharp tree branch, and attacked the monster from behind. The monster was more powerful, so it dodged.


    It let out an angry growl, and earth spikes formed above its head, shooting out toward Skyler, who dared to launch a sneak attack. But a chill ran down its spine when it saw how its opponent''s eyes were fixed on the gem on its forehead with wild intensity.


    Suddenly, it didn''t want to fight anymore.


    Skyler lowered his body to dodge, but he winced as one of the earth spikes grazed his shoulder, and blood oozed out.


    However, he didn''t stop his advance; he leaped toward the monster, which was about to escape, and seized its lower body.


    It struggled and attacked him with more earth spikes and its claws, but he shifted his weight to one side to evade and looked around for something sharp. The monster let out an angry screech, but it froze when a familiar sharp tree branch pierced its neck. Dark blood rushed from its wound, and it convulsed violently before dying.


    Skyler finally let go, panting heavily. The rush of adrenaline wore off soon, giving way to intense muscle pain from moving too quickly and exceeding his limits.


    "Haha..."


    He laughed softly and forced himself up before staring at the lifeless body. Looking around, he grabbed another sharp branch to extract the glowing gem from the monster''s forehead. His fingers trembled as he took it out and touched its shiny brown surface.


    "It''s just like a real gem."


    He sucked in a deep breath, more fascinated by the small, gem-like stone in his hand than by the fact that he had killed his first-ever monster.


    505, who had been too dumbfounded by the scene, finally showed up.


    ("Congratulations, host! You have killed your first monster out of a total of 300! You have also earned your first 5 points, which can be used when the system store opens!")

 Chapter 13 - 505’s evil plan

    Chapter 13: 505''s evil planSeeing the gray screen with the message, Skyler finally looked at the dead monster and inhaled sharply once more.


    "Indeed."


    He wanted to clean his dirty hands but couldn''t since he had no spare clothes. He carefully stored the small brown gem in his shirt pocket and stood up to leave. He had encountered these gem-like stones multiple times online before; they were known as ''elemental stones'' in Eldoria.


    Monsters and spirits can form elemental crystals in their hearts just like every other elementist. However, only a small number of them are able to create these elemental stones outside their bodies. The elemental crystals formed within the monsters'' hearts vanished as soon as they die, but these ''elemental stones'' remain intact.


    These stones contain a dense concentration of the type of Evol that resonates with the monster''s affinity. He had just acquired a brown elemental stone, which was only useful to those who had awakened an affinity with earth element and formed their elemental crystal.


    But Skyler wasn''t discouraged. Instead, he was extremely happy to have secured an item that was very similar to a real gem.


    505 watched him silently. The system waited for its host to express his joy at defeating his first monster and to inquire about the importance of system points... but no matter how long it waited, such things never happened.


    Skyler found another hiding spot and quickly concealed himself.


    505: "...."


    It suddenly had a realization but lacked proof, so it decided to conduct an test. It searched for a monster that had formed elemental stone outside its body, and then a notification flashed in front of Skyler.


    ("Host, there''s a 1-star Aqua Sloth a short distance away from you, and it has a blue gem on its forehead.")


    As anticipated, its host became alert, and Skyler''s eyes sparkled brightly.


    "Where?"


    505 suddenly saw a flicker of hope to ascend to the first level of the Battle Royal. No one would have imagined that one of the systems would be corrupted by Skyler and learn to exploit others. 505 laughed inwardly, and thus began its evil plan.


    ("Just a short distance away, host!")


    Skyler followed its direction.


    While moving, he ripped half of one of the sleeves of his shirt and wrapped the fabric around his feet to make do for the time being, minimizing the risk of injury.


    His eyes sparkled brightly as he finally spotted the 1-star Sloth. It was a creature with four long limbs and massive claws, lazily resting on a tree branch.


    He had never fought monsters before, but for some reason, when he tore a sharp tree branch and moved to attack, it felt as if he had done it countless times before.


    It was an unusual sensation, and none of his movements were sluggish or wasted as he fought the monster. His muscles ached from the strain, but Skyler was hell-bent on getting the blue gem on its forehead.


    The monster wielded water element and launched water balls at him. As a result, he sustained only minor injuries and defeated it with a back kick before driving the sharp branch into its heart with all his strength.


    Skyler was panting heavily when another notification flashed before his eyes.


    ("Congratulations! You have killed two monsters out of the total of 300! You have earned 5 more system points, which can be used when the store opens!")


    He chuckled and extracted the gem from the monster''s forehead before placing it in his shirt pocket alongside the other gem.


    He needed to find a way to absorb the golden Evol, with which he had an affinity, and create his first elemental crystal in his heart as soon as possible to enhance his strength and potential. However, the issue was that he didn''t know how to do it.


    So, for the time being, he could only continue blindly like this.


    Skyler heard footsteps in his surroundings and forced himself to stand to find a place to hide. Just as he stood up barely, another notification flashed before his eyes.


    ("Host, there''s a 2-star fire wolf a short distance away from you, and it has a red gem on its forehead.")


    One could only imagine what transpired.


    By the end of day one, Skyler had multiple elemental stones in his possession. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But his condition was far from good. His entire body was marred with injuries and burns, making him look like someone who had survived multiple life-and-death battles. He encountered two groups of people, but upon seeing his state, they merely stared at him in pure disdain and ignored him.


    The sun above the forest had vanished, plunging the space into darkness, with the sounds of monsters echoing all around.


    Skyler nearly met his end when he navigated between the trees toward a 5-star monster, but fortunately, the monster was sleeping, and 505 alerted him just in time.


    He was thirsty, hungry, and badly injured. His clothes were torn, burned, and stained with the blood of monsters as he dragged his body around before finding a hidden, quiet spot within a cluster of trees.


    The only valuable items on him were the bundle of elemental stones wrapped in the fabric he had torn from his other sleeve and the beautiful blue storage ring his parents had gifted him 2 years ago, but he couldn''t use it yet since he couldn''t wield Evol.


    "Can I survive the night with so many monsters strong enough to tear me apart roaming in my surroundings?"


    Honestly, the fact that he survived so long without any elemental power in this place was already nothing short of a miracle.


    505 could help him locate monsters and keep an eye on the surroundings, but that was all; the system didn''t assist him with anything else. When he asked it to find a good hiding spot for him, it disappeared.


    Skyler couldn''t even close his eyes as he held a sharp stone in his hand, prepared to attack if any monsters dared to approach him in the darkness.


    A while later, he suddenly heard footsteps and the sound of soft laughter, and he was about to hide when he recognized one of the voices among the noises.


    "Jenny...?"

 Chapter 14: Yes, I know him.

    Chapter 14: Yes, I know him.Skyler''s eyes widened with disbelief. What were the chances he would meet his own sister in such a vast place? Nearly zero! His eyes flashed with relief as he momentarily forgot the past and forced himself to stand and move toward the sounds with a smile.


    He noticed four people walking in the distance, discussing where they should camp for the night after an exhausting day: two young males and two females.


    They all wore Starlight Academy uniforms, with glowing fireballs illuminating their path. One of them was indeed Jenny!


    He hurried to reach them before they left, but in his haste, he tripped over a protruding tree root hidden in the night''s darkness, and a sharp groan escaped his lips as he fell.


    The noise successfully attracted the attention of the group in the distance.


    One of the male, with a pair of piercing obsedian eyes and dark hair, grabbed the javelin strapped to his back and aimed the sharp, gleaming tip directly at his neck.


    "Who are you? Why are you following us?"


    The rest three quickly followed him, and the other male in the group, with a pair of kind golden eyes and black hair speckled with white, hurriedly pushed his weapon aside.


    "Austin, don''t just casually point your weapon at others! It''s dangerous!"


    Skyler froze when he saw their faces. He had always considered himself handsome, but this group was no less striking. They all looked as if they had stepped right out of the cover of a magazine.


    Austin lowered his javelin and strapped it on his back with a click of his tongue.


    "You are too soft, Max. All the professors said at the academy: if we encounter any suspicious individuals, we eliminate them. People from all over the universe are here. What if this person is dangerous?"


    He glanced back at the two females. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Jenny and Elena, can you two please put some sense into this head, will you?"


    The two girls simply shook their heads, not wanting to interfere. Max pushed him away and sat down in front of Skyler to see his face, which wasn''t visible.


    "Are you alright?"


    He asked in a very soft voice and even went so far as to look around for injuries on his body with a worried expression, as if Skyler were his long-lost brother.


    Skyler finally snapped out of it, but just like how Max pushed Austin earlier, he shoved the man away. Then he stood up, dusted off his clothes, and stared straight at his sister.


    "Jenny! It''s me!"


    Hearing his voice, the woman with long dark hair and blue eyes¡ªsimilar to Skyler''s but lacking their crystal-like brilliance¡ªfinally whipped her head toward him. Her eyes widened when she saw his face.


    "How...?"


    She muttered, and seeing the look of sheer disbelief on her face, everyone else glanced at her. Elena, the short woman next to her, played with the tip of her curly red hair.


    "You know him? A friend? He''s either very weak or very powerful because I can''t sense any elemental power from him."


    Jenny did not respond, causing Max, who had fallen over when Skyler pushed him, to approach her with a worried expression.


    "What happened?"


    Skyler''s eyes traveled to the hand that rested on his sister''s arm, and he raised an eyebrow. It seemed his sister already had a lover without their parents'' knowledge.


    He planned to blackmail Jenny once they were out of this place to get his tiny, mini revenge and settle old scores with her, but his sister had other thoughts in mind.


    Jenny Ironhart was tongue-tied. Skyler''s condition didn''t look good, but she wasn''t worried about that. The surprise and shock of seeing him here in this dangerous place when her brother wasn''t even 20 or eligible to participate in the test wore off, giving way to a larger issue of how she should introduce him to her friends.


    They didn''t remember Skyler. And how could they? They had only seen him once at the testing center two years ago when he awakened his affinity and potential.


    Skyler was about to introduce himself, noticing his sister was silent. But she didn''t let him and finally spoke up.


    "Yes, I know him."


    Max nodded at her, and Elena turned to scrutinize the injured youth.


    "Who is he? He looks younger than us. Is he even 20? But that can''t be possible since only those who are 20 are teleported here."


    Skyler rolled his eyes inwardly when he noticed how long his sister was taking to introduce him. Why the hell was she taking so much time? Can''t she see he is badly injured and needs treatment, along with some shoes and clothes? But what he heard next sent chills down his spine.


    "He''s the son of an old neighbor who lived next to my family when I was in school."


    He stared at her dazedly and muttered.


    "Neighbor?"


    She looked away, not answering anymore. Max released Jenny''s arm and glanced at Skyler with a polite smile before turning to his only other male teammate.


    "He''s injured. Now that we know him, let''s help him. Austin, use your Light element power to heal his injuries since yours is the most powerful among all of us."


    Skyler just watched in a daze as Austin cursed and moved closer to him, telling Max that he wasn''t his servant. A bright golden light emerged from his hands, cascading onto Skyler''s injured body.


    An hour later, all his injuries were healed, and Max gave him a set of new clothes and dark blue sneakers to wear, but he remained silent and didn''t say anything.


    He held the clothes and shoes in his hands and watched as the group of four retrieved tents from their storage rings and set them up at that very spot in front of him.


    Suddenly, Max invited him to sleep in his tent for the night and to join their team. He couldn''t sense any elemental power from him, nor did Skyler appear strong.


    Max thought that Skyler might not survive the preliminary test, which is why, despite Austin and Elena''s objections and Jenny''s silence, he chose to extend the offer.


    Skyler stared at the offered hand. For some reason, he couldn''t stand this group. He let out a self-deprecating smile and pushed Max''s hand away.


    "I am just the son of her neighbor¡ªsomeone she won''t even remember for long. There''s no need to pretend to be kind to me just to impress her."

 Chapter 15: He knows

    Chapter 15: He knowsHearing his curt remarks, Max''s face dropped, and Austin, who had been watching the scene from a distance, let out a hearty laugh. He left the girls and plopped down next to Skyler.


    "You have got some serious nerve, huh? I know it sounds very difficult to believe, but he is always like this. Like a saint, trying to rescue every damsel in distress."


    Skyler moved away from him with a scoff. Was he going to believe him? No!


    The first impression this group of four made on him was terrible, and if possible, he never wanted to encounter them again.


    Still, even though he disliked them, that didn''t mean he wouldn''t accept Max''s offer to sleep in his tent and join their team. It was disheartening, but he wasn''t an idiot and knew he needed their help to survive for the time being until he got a little stronger.


    He gazed at Max, who was looking at him with a wry smile, waiting for his answer.


    "Sorry, that was quite harsh of me... I will join your team. Thanks."


    He uttered the last word with sincerity.


    He wasn''t an ungrateful brat who would overlook the kindness others showed him, even if they had ulterior motives.


    Max''s face brightened instantly, and he nodded, still willing to let him join the team despite his earlier sarcastic remark, which only made Skyler more suspicious. After all, how the hell could someone be so kind to a stranger they had just met?


    Skyler narrowed his eyes, and suddenly he saw something in the other person''s golden eyes that made his own eyes widen.


    ''He knows... He knows I am Jenny''s younger brother! But how?''


    He could not confirm his thoughts or find any proof since Max left his side. He had never met him before, and aside from his eyes, which were only similar to Jenny''s in color, they were nothing alike! So, how did this man know he was Jenny''s brother?


    Austin raised an eyebrow at the scene. Given the personality this youth had just displayed, he didn''t expect him to join their team. But he did. He hummed and glanced at Skyler from head to toe.


    "Anyway, were you robbed? How did you end up in such a bad situation? The test just started today."


    Skyler remained silent, not even glancing at him. So, he changed the question.


    "What''s your name? Now that you''re joining us, shouldn''t we at least know your name?"


    "Sky... you can call me Sky." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Sky? That''s an unusual name."


    Austin murmured and yawned slightly.


    "If you''re going to stay here, just keep watch tonight. I''m going to sleep¡ª"


    He paused midway as Skyler stood up with the clothes and shoes in his hands and left before quickly entering Max''s tent.


    "Wow. How ungrateful."


    Inside the small tent, Skyler noticed two beds already made. One of the beds was occupied by Max, who was loosening the laces of his shoes. So, he chose the other bed. First, he grabbed the hem of his torn and burned shirt and tossed it aside.


    He wanted to take a bath, but knowing he couldn''t, he simply slipped into the clothes that had been given to him. They were a bit oversized, but they would suffice for now.


    With that, he pulled the blanket over his body and shut his eyes, turning his back to Max. Even though his injuries had healed, his body still ached from all the strenuous movements he had made throughout the day while fighting monsters. Therefore, he desperately needed rest.


    He fell asleep in no time, but even in his sleep, he was clutching the thick bundle of gem-like elemental stones he had gathered throughout the day, wrapped in the fabric.


    Fortunately, no one paid attention to the bundle due to his condition and the dark surroundings; otherwise, they would have truly been dumbfounded. After all, not many systems lead their linked hosts to encounter monsters that had formed elemental stones. In fact, the participants didn''t even know yet that the system could do such a thing. They only knew that the linked systems could direct them to monsters.


    Suddenly, Max turned to look at Skyler. The young man had his back to him, so he didn''t realize that he had already fallen asleep. A hint of nervousness clouded Max''s face.


    "Umm... You are Skyler, right? I can recognize you, even though you''ve changed a lot since I saw you in the testing center two years ago. Jenny isn''t a bad person at heart; I think she was just shocked, which is why she said what she did earlier. So, try not to hold any negative feelings against her. She is your sister."


    He spoke everything in one go. He had no idea how Skyler, who wasn''t even 20, ended up here in this dangerous place, but it''s fortunate they found him in time.


    "I actually know about your low potential. You can''t use elemental power, right? I''ve heard about similar cases in the news, and I believe you got teleported here by accident, but we will protect you."


    "Okay?"


    Max raised his voice in the end, but there was still no response. So, he moved a bit closer. Only then did he notice that Skyler''s breathing was even, and he smiled wryly.


    "He''s already asleep... I talked so much to myself. Shhh."


    He wanted to go to sleep too, but Austin entered his tent and asked him to go out and keep watch for monsters since he was tired and wanted to sleep.

 Chapter 16: Why the hell are you here?

    Chapter 16: Why the hell are you here?Late in the morning, Max and his team gathered outside his tent, with Elena and Austin arguing with him to wake up Sky. They had been waiting for hours, but the young man still hadn''t emerged.


    Max hurriedly stopped Austin just as he was about to go in and drag Sky out.


    "Wait, wait, guys. He must be mentally exhausted. Let''s let him rest a bit longer."


    Austin could only stare at him, speechless. They needed to go hunt monsters! What on earth was wrong with him?


    "I''m going to activate the flying drones so our performance can go live. The academy instructed us to use them during the day so they can monitor us from the outside world. We can''t afford to waste any more time."


    Jenny, who had been standing with them silently watching, was the one who stepped forward with a solemn expression.


    "I will wake him."


    Max wanted to stop her, but she swiftly stepped aside and entered the tent. They watched from the entrance as she quickly moved closer to the figure sleeping in the distance and shook his shoulder.


    "Wake up! This isn''t home; you can''t just sleep here for so long without a care!"


    Skyler finally stirred from his position.


    His first instinct was to ask his mother to let him sleep for just a few more minutes, because his entire body felt sore.


    However, recalling where he was, his eyes snapped open, and he sat up abruptly.


    "Ah... 505! Why didn''t you wake me up!"


    Hearing him, the system that could only communicate with him by flashing a screen in front of him was rendered speechless.


    He turned, only to be met by Jenny''s face, causing him to back away with a frown.


    "I am awake. Thanks."


    Jenny nodded, a bit startled when she saw his calm expression, which regarded her as if she were a stranger.


    She left, feeling a bit complicated, while he quickly threw off the blanket and put on the sneakers that had been given to him.


    Skyler stumbled when he stood up, but he quickly straightened himself before tying his bundle of elemental stones around his waist and leaving the tent.


    "Let''s go."


    Austin noticed the bundle with him, and his eyes widened in surprise when he sensed what was inside. He frowned and moved closer to Sky while Max stored his tent.


    "Can''t you use your storage ring? It''s dangerous to roam around with them. How the hell did you get so many?"


    "No, I can''t use storage ring."


    "What... Do you even have a weapon?"


    "No..."


    "Shit! Why are you even here???"


    Skyler stared at him quietly, and Austin''s eyes widened. This person genuinely had no idea why he was here!


    He nervously licked his lips.


    "Ummm, how old are you?"


    "18."


    "Fuck!"


    His voice rose above the normal range, startling Elena, who stood beside him.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?"


    Austin ignored her and got closer to Sky, who would be nothing but dead weight for their team. However, he couldn''t kick him out since Max had the final say.


    "Do you, like, know how to fight?"


    Skyler pointed at the elemental stones, and the dark-haired man, who was freaking out inwardly, finally felt a sense of relief. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good. Good. At least you can fight."


    Everyone gathered, and Austin quickly activated the tiny, ant-sized drones resting in his storage ring. They began to float high above them, live-streaming everything to the outside world as they moved.


    Elena moved closer to Skyler and extended a bow toward him, along with some arrows.


    "I heard everything earlier. Don''t be dead weight. Stay behind if you can''t fight. We''re heading toward a group of 2-star fire wolves with the system''s help."


    Austin scoffed from the front.


    "I don''t think he knows how to use it. Look at his hands¡ªso soft and without calluses. It''s clear he''s never used any weapons."


    Max glared at him, but he didn''t stop.


    "Killing 300 monsters isn''t the real challenge in the preliminary test. The real challenge is surviving for 30 days. With no idea what might happen next, we now have a burden on the team."


    Jenny frowned slightly. She didn''t want to admit it, but Skyler was indeed a burden.


    Skyler took the bow, his fingers tightening around the wooden surface. He wanted to get angry, but he knew he couldn''t.


    "I can take care of myself. I''m not weak. There''s no need to worry about me."


    Max looked back at him with an apologetic expression and slapped Austin''s shoulder.


    "They didn''t mean it."


    Skyler scoffed inwardly. He fiddled with the bowstring. He had never used a bow before; the only time he had was in games.


    It shouldn''t be any different, right?


    Thinking that, he took one of the arrows and nocked it onto the bow.


    The four in front of him didn''t notice, but his movements were so smooth that it felt as if he had done this countless times.


    Max whispered to his teammates to get ready as they arrived in the vicinity of the 2-star fire wolves. There were eight wolves in total, with a 3-star alpha in the center, sitting in an open area amidst the trees. It was a bit challenging since all the wolves could manipulate the fire element, but he knew they could take them down.


    He froze when suddenly an arrow shot out from behind. It whizzed past his side and soared through the air before striking one of the wolves squarely in the eye.


    All eyes turned to the only person with a bow in his hand, and Skyler lowered his bow, startled by his own accuracy.


    "It''s not that hard... I suppose?"


    No one had time to be shocked for long because the wounded fire wolf let out an agonizing howl, alerting all the others.


    Austin cursed and grabbed his javelin.


    "They''ve noticed us!"


    "Attack! Don''t just stand like idiots!"


    Skyler grabbed another arrow when he noticed a wolf lunging at them. He nocked it almost instinctively, his speed surprising Elena, who was watching him. Instantly, the arrow shot out, striking the leaping wolf in the neck. Blood splattered, and the wolf''s body slumped down, convulsing.


    Those who had doubts about his earlier shot, believing it was possibly accidental, now had no doubts at all.

 Chapter 17: The first monster wave I

    Chapter 17: The first monster wave IThe team of four finally snapped into action. Skyler watched as they formed elemental spells and attacked the wolves. Their coordination was almost impeccable, and unlike his attacks, their strikes killed the wolves almost instantly, as if the 2-star fire wolves were nothing to them.


    Max engaged the alpha wolf, wielding the earth and fire elements and a heavy sword.


    Jenny brandished a whip made of water element, while Elena wielded a weird rifle. Skyler narrowed his eyes as he noticed her craft the bullets with darkness element.


    He glanced at the bow and arrows in his hand. The bow was ordinary, but the arrow tips were infused with elemental power.


    "No wonder my attacks were so effective. Just yesterday, I had to risk my life to take down a 2-star wolf. Is this the reason I can harm the monsters so easily now?"


    He clicked his tongue and fired another arrow, then another. His aim was flawless, filling him with exhilaration. For a moment, he even thought he might have been born to be an archer! However, his excitement died as his arrows ran out, and he could only stand at a distance and watch.


    They took down all the wolves in just a few minutes. Max gave everyone a thumbs up.


    "Great teamwork!"


    Skyler stepped forward and examined the lifeless bodies of the monsters.


    None of them had any elemental stones outside their bodies, which made him sigh.


    After all, the tiny elemental crystals in the monsters'' hearts dissipate upon death.


    Suddenly, Austin shook his shoulder.


    "Damn, you can wield a bow fantastically! Why didn''t you say so earlier?"


    Skyler pursed his lips. He wasn''t sure if he should tell him that it was actually his first time wielding a real bow. He had only done so in the past in games.


    "En.."


    505 suddenly warned him about a 1-star insect monster approaching from the side.


    He reached out and snatched the javelin from Austin''s hand, leaving him astonished at how easily he took it. Then, right in front of the man, he threw it at the large spider that had stepped out from the trees.


    The javelin soared through the air and struck the spider''s stomach, causing it to let out a piercing screech of agony.


    Max, Elena, and Jenny, who had also been alerted by the system like Skyler and were about to attack the spider, halted. They had their backs turned to the duo, so they didn''t see who threw the javelin, prompting Elena to shoot an annoyed glance at Austin.


    "I wanted to kill it."


    Austin''s jaw dropped. He pointed at Sky''s nose and shouted that he did it, but Elena just scoffed at him. The way the weapon was thrown was very professional.


    "No need to lie."


    Ultimately, Austin could only glare at the culprit, who was himself in a daze. Skyler stared at his hands.


    "It''s not hard, just like using a bow."


    Hearing this, Austin nearly fainted. How could it not be hard?? Using a bow was different from throwing a javelin!


    He had worked for years to master it! And this kid just did it in one go!


    How did he even balance the weight on both sides for a perfect throw!?


    Austin wanted to refute Sky''s words, but suddenly the ground beneath them and the surrounding trees began to shake subtly.


    Instantly, the distant roars of countless monsters filled the air, accompanied by the heavy thuds of trees crashing down and the thunderous stomps of their footsteps.


    A warning flashed in front of Skyler.


    ("The first monster wave is passing through the forest. Evacuate the area; if you cannot, seek shelter or fight to survive.")


    His eyes widened. The others received the same warning. Max shouted.


    "Run! We can''t fight! A monster wave always has too many monsters, and the strongest are at the front!"


    Instantly, everyone jolted back to reality, turned, and began sprinting in the opposite direction. Skyler cursed his system.


    "505! Why didn''t you inform me of this sooner?!"


    But he got no response, no matter how much he called out to it. The damn system went eerily silent and abandoned him!


    Another group of people ran past them. They were not human and had pointed ears, indicating their identity as elves. They were all harnessing the wind element to enhance their speed as they vanished from sight.


    Skyler noticed that both Jenny and Elena could also use the wind element.


    He knew his older sister had awakened as a dual elementalist, but it seemed her entire team could wield multiple elements.


    Soon, he found himself falling behind the others, being the slowest in the group.


    This was to be expected, given his low agility resulting from his 0-star strength.


    Suddenly, a massive spear made of darkness element pierced the tree beside him, shattering it and sending him flying from the force. Dust and debris rose, and a towering dark boar with a pair of curved horns, radiating a powerful aura, emerged from the wreckage, its pitch-black eyes locking onto his groaning figure.


    Skyler''s face lost all color, and he froze. Jenny''s loud voice, telling him to stand up and run, snapped him out of his daze.


    Max and Elena halted in their tracks and began attacking the massive boar from a distance to draw its attention.


    Skyler scrambled to his feet. Only then did he notice the sensation of blood trickling down his thigh where a tree branch had impaled him when the tree exploded. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With trembling hands, he gripped the branch and yanked it out of his skin. The pain caused him to let out a silent scream in his head as he clenched his jaw.


    The tiny drones floating above them displayed everything in the outside world, revealing countless people running through the forest to save themselves.


    He stumbled forward toward the others, doing his best to run. Austin, who could have healed his wound, had already gone far ahead, so he could only endure.


    The boar that was attacked by Max and Elena and lost its prey let out a roar that shook the air. Instantly, six more boars emerged from the surrounding trees. Max''s eyes widened as he realized they were all 5-star! Some of them could even harness the wind element to boost their speed!


    All the boars charged toward them. The ground beneath them cracked under their weight, and the darkness element spread from their bodies, enveloping everything around them in dark shadows.


    The air trembled from their power, and Skyler''s legs gave out under the pressure. He was still far away from the others, so he could only try to drag his body toward them.


    Jenny unleashed her whip, her eyes trembling, ready to go save him. But Elena held her arm and shouted at Skyler.


    "Hide in the gap between the cluster of trees on your left! We wll distract them. In your condition, you won''t be able to reach us and run!"

 Chapter 18: The first monster wave II

    Chapter 18: The first monster wave IISkyler''s eyes dilated. What''s the point of hiding behind trees?! A massive monster wave was coming from behind! If he didn''t leave with them, he would die!!


    He gazed at his sister. She could have come... she could have refused Elena. But she only murmured, ''Hide, please,'' to him and stepped back further, tears in her eyes, to attack the boars and distract them.


    Elena raised her rifle and, with two powerful shots, shattered two of the trees encircling the boars charging toward them.


    "Max! Jenny! Attack and run!"


    "Or we''ll all die!"


    Max unsheathed his sword and, with powerful arcs, launched multiple strikes at the charging boars. Earth walls rose in front of the monsters, but they shattered them all effortlessly with their horns.


    Suddenly, a horde of 5-star fire and wind flying beetles surged out from behind the boars. Now, it was clear that if they stayed here any longer, they would all die.


    "Sky..."


    He called out, only to notice that the ash-brown-haired youth had rolled off to the left to hide in the gap between the tall trees Elena had mentioned earlier.


    Elena turned around and grabbed Jenny''s arm to run. But before they could take off, Jenny suddenly remembered something and pulled out a round elemental artifact she had acquired at the academy.


    With trembling hands, she activated it with her wind element power and hurriedly threw it toward Skyler. Instantly, a wind barrier erected around his location.


    With a curse, Elena dragged her away, and the two ran off in the opposite direction.


    "Run!"


    She shouted at Max, who pulled out a sound-making bead made of light element from his storage ring and swiftly tossed it in the opposite direction to distract the monster away from Skyler''s location. With that, he clenched his jaw and cast one last glance at the spot where Skyler had vanished before sprinting off behind the girls.


    After he left, the boars and countless beetles, although momentarily distracted by the strange sounds, continued to wreak havoc on everything in their path.


    The wind barrier around Skyler''s location cracked as multiple fire beetles slammed into it. He crawled away and paused behind one of the trees. His mind was a mess, but he pinched himself to snap out of it.


    His eyes darted around. The sounds of countless beasts approaching his location were haunting, making him sweat.


    "Am I going to die?"


    He muttered, and his wildly beating heart sank at the mere thought. But he shook his head and quickly tore the fabric of one of his sleeves to cover his bleeding thigh.


    "No! I refuse! I cannot die!"


    With a deep breath, he stood up. The monsters were coming from behind, leaving him with only two options. First, he finds an opening and runs with all his strength, and second, he fights until the monster wave has passed through this area.


    "The first option is out of the question. I can''t run with an injury and with so many powerful beasts around me. So, that means the second option is the only one."


    He clenched his fist and slammed it into the tree beside him when he remembered that he had lost the bow, the only weapon he had, when he was thrown away due to the impact of the boar''s first attack.


    "Those fuckers... at least leave me a weapon if you are abandoning me!"


    Anger clouded his expression, but he suppressed it. No one noticed, not even he himself, but one of his crystal-like blue eyes shimmered darkly and the other white.


    "They didn''t have a choice. I would have done the same or maybe even worse..."


    He whispered and felt a sudden urge to form his first elemental crystal.


    Skyler knew the process was difficult the first time and required supervision from the elders, but he wanted to do it.


    Anyway, in the end, the moment the wind barrier around him shattered, the monsters would attack, and he would either die or be left at death''s door, even if he fought with everything he had. He was just a mortal with not even an ounce of power.


    He didn''t even sit down; he just closed his eyes. Immediately, he felt the tiny particles around him. Unlike the first time he tried, he could now sense many colors of Evol, but the most dominant was golden Evol¡ªthe color of the Light element¡ªthe only element he currently had affinity with.


    "I can do it."


    He muttered and willed the golden Evol around him to move and enter his body.


    He failed the first time, but then suddenly the golden particles trembled. Everything around him faded into utter silence¡ªthe footsteps and roars of monsters.


    His entire focus was on the tiny particles. With another attempt, some of them finally moved and entered his body. Now, he had to find a good pathway within his body for the golden particles to reach his heart.


    But to his shock, his entire body became a channel for them, and the particles flowed effortlessly throughout his body, heading straight for his heart on their own.


    Skyler finally understood what the system meant when it said that his body structure was unique compared to others.


    He felt a surge of nervousness as it was finally time for him to form the crystal, the final step to becoming a 1-star Novice.


    He concentrated and gathered the tiny golden particles into a single spot at the center of his heart after they had reached it. Then, he harnessed their power to create a thin layer of shield around them.


    It cracked on the first try, and he felt an indescribable, agonizing pain in his heart. He screamed inwardly, his nails digging into the tree trunk beside him. And it took all his willpower to quickly manage the situation and gather the spilling particles. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This is why supervision was necessary when one was forming their first crystal.


    Skyler pushed through and tried again to form the shield around the particles. It was very weak, so he added another layer, then another, and at last, a glowing, ant-sized crystal floated in the center of his heart.


    "Haha! I did it! Now, I can use light elem¡ª"


    His joy was interrupted when the already cracked wind barrier around him shattered, and a massive spear made of darkness element blasted the tall tree beside him, sending his body flying from the force.

 Chapter 19: The first monster wave III

    Chapter 19: The first monster wave IIISkyler coughed up blood. His entire body screamed in pain, but his anger was palpable as he glanced back at the boar that had shattered the tree. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ''So... fight, is it!''


    With all the speed he could muster, he reached for anything sharp within his grasp.


    A wind beetle attacked him with a buzzing sound, but he grabbed a tree branch and tried to drive it into its abdomen.


    However, with a resounding crack, the branch splintered, failing to breach the beetle''s tough exterior.


    Skyler''s eyes contracted; this was the power of a 5-star monster.


    He had killed many 1-star beasts by stabbing them with sharp objects and some 2-star ones yesterday, so he thought taking down others would be the same.


    But no, how wrong he was.


    A wind blade slashed across his body, leaving a gaping wound on his shoulder and sending him reeling backward, crashing into a tree behind him, which splintered from the forceful impact. He couldn''t even scream when another attack struck him. One of the boars charged forward, its horns driving into his stomach and launching him through the air as if he were weightless.


    505 watched all of this. It could not intervene since it was against the rules. Even if it could, there was nothing it could do, so the system hoped for a miracle. It still wanted to ascend to the first level of Battle Royale. However, as it witnessed the unfolding events, it accepted that it should light a candle for its 1889th host as well and hope the next one would be better.


    Skyler''s eyes fluttered shut as his body crashed into another tree.


    His breathing was shallow.


    The sounds of countless monsters approaching from one side drew eerily near, while the many beetles and boars were already around him, wreaking havoc.


    It was a fleeting moment, just a few seconds for the outside world. But for Skyler, after he closed his eyes, that moment felt like an eternity.


    He found himself in an alternate timeline where he had never entered the preliminary test of the Battle Royale.


    He spent his 18th and 19th birthdays with his parents, living like an ordinary person with no powers or future as a Light.


    Then, abruptly, when he was 20 years old, an Epic-tier huge red crystal materialized out of thin air near his home and shattered, releasing countless powerful beasts.


    He witnessed his parents fighting to save weak citizens, saw people dying, including the elderly neighbor from next door who had given him dumplings every New Year, even after he was declared a waste.


    Johnson Ironhart shouted at him to flee, as he wasn''t even a 1-star novice Light.


    And how could he attain that? He had only awakened a 1-star potential.


    But he didn''t run; instead, he leaped into danger to save others and those he loved.


    He fought valiantly, and everyone felt confident they could manage the situation with few casualties until a towering dark monster with multiple eyes emerged from the rift created by the shattered crystal.


    Skyler saw the beast, turned its glowing eyes toward his mother, who was fighting another powerful creature, and rushed forward to push her aside.


    The beast''s long tail sent his body flying instead of Riya Ironhart, and he was hurled straight into the open rift.


    He thought he had died. He truly did. The last thing he heard was his mom''s horrified cries. That was it. Maybe the entire world thought he had died as well. For them, Skyler Ironhart died at the age of 20.


    Yet, that wasn''t the case. He saw himself breathing and opening his eyes in another realm¡ªthe world of spirits.


    He saw himself fighting, eating grass and dirt to survive. Then everything went blank... and then he saw a vision of himself seated atop a massive white throne.


    It was one of the 3,000 thrones everyone was battling to attain in the Battle Royal. Yet he reached it and occupied it without even entering the Battle Royal. The aura around him was so powerful that it could destroy anything and anyone. Both of his eyes were white as he watched the spirits who bowed before him from above.


    Suddenly, the white eyes lifted, staring directly at Skyler, who was watching. Pure confusion flickered in their depths.


    "Why am I watching myself?"


    The eyes widened abruptly, as if they had realized something.


    "Who... who altered my op fate?!"


    With that, everything shattered.


    Skyler didn''t witness the struggle or how he had ascended to the top in the spirit realm. But he had reached the pinnacle!


    How could he die so easily now?


    His closed eyes snapped open, startling 505, who was about to issue a message to the main system stating that its host had died and failed the preliminary test, so they could begin searching for a new host for it.


    The crystal-like blue hue in his eyes faded, giving way to a white color that symbolized purity and righteousness.


    With a shout, Skyler sprang to his feet, despite the injuries on his body and broken bones, and with a strength he didn''t even know he possessed, he lunged forward and punched one of the incoming boars in the face.


    The sound of his fist slamming against the boar''s skin echoed in the air, and the beast was actually pushed back slightly, letting out a loud, angry yet startled cry.

 Chapter 20: The first monster wave IV

    Chapter 20: The first monster wave IVSkyler''s eyes narrowed as the golden particles he had collected earlier in the crystal within his heart surged forward, enveloping his fist.


    He quickly whipped his body back and punched a wind beetle, its startled buzz halting the other beetles.


    Then, without a second thought, he turned and ran in the opposite direction.


    The bit of Evol left in his elemental crystal surged forth under his control, and almost instinctively, he channeled it into his feet to slightly enhance his speed.


    A monster wave was approaching! He couldn''t even defeat the boars and beetles with his current strength; how could he fight and survive a colossal wave?!


    He had experienced a sudden surge of adrenaline and confidence after watching himself sitting atop a throne, but he knew that wouldn''t last for long! Staying alive was his main priority at the moment!


    His injuries ached painfully, and blood gushed from his wounds, leaving a trail behind him. But he pushed forward. The boars and beetles attacked from behind, wreaking havoc with massive dark spears, wind blades, and fire blades. One of the wind blades slashed across his back, sending him flying further forward.


    Skyler''s eyes turned bloodshot, and veins bulged from his neck as he gritted his teeth hard enough to draw blood. Once again, he stumbled to his feet.


    He had been thrown quite far from the monsters approaching him, so he needed to take advantage of this. He tried to draw on more Evol from his body, but the small amount of light particles he had gathered earlier were already exhausted.


    His elemental crystal was empty, and he was suffering from the backlash of using every last particle of his Evol. The section of his heart where the dry ant-sized crystal floated contracted painfully. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He needed time to recover from the backlash and refill the crystal. But how could he absorb Evol in such a situation?


    With the last bit of strength left in him, he began running, straining his muscles past their limits. A screen flashed in front of him, and he wanted to strangle the system.


    ("Host! You can do it! Run! A little faster, please! If you die, you die!")


    It had remained inactive for so long, and now, when it had no use left, it appeared to tell him that he would die if he didn''t run?


    If 505 had a body, it would be riddled with holes by the time Skyler was done with it!


    The system felt a sudden eerie chill in its circuits and went missing once again.


    While cursing the system, Skyler stumbled over a protruding root as he passed through the tall trees, causing his body to suddenly roll onto his side in an area that was caved in compared to the rest. He tried to grab the grass to stop, but he couldn''t.


    With a loud thud, his back collided with something hard. His eyes trembled, and he let out a silent scream in his head as the pain doubled in his injured back.


    With trembling fingers stained in his own blood, he reached out for the tree he had collided with and crawled to sit down. He clutched his stomach and realized he had rolled down from above.


    This area was sunken compared to the surrounding terrain. He nearly cried when he noticed a few small holes in the raised grassy ground around him, surrounded by slightly tilted tall trees.


    The holes, which clearly looked as if they had been dug out, were barely large enough for him to fit, but somehow he managed to squeeze himself into one of them.


    The roars of monsters and their heavy stomps on the ground echoed outside as he hastily crawled deep into the dark hole, pressing his forearms against the cool earth to propel himself forward.


    He lost one of his sneakers, which had stayed by his side through so much, but fortunately, his feet vanished into the hole just in time before the boars and beetles on his trail destroyed everything outside.


    Skyler breathed heavily. The space was dark, but he could hear faint sounds deep within the hole. Narrowing his hazy eyes, which had returned to their normal blue color, he spotted a faint light.


    With sheer willpower, he pressed forward, and finally, his body emerged from the hole into a little underground chamber filled with stacked, strange glowing blue and green grass that illuminated the space.


    He was met with a pair of glowing red eyes, and the owner let out an angry shriek at him for intruding into its home.


    Skyler''s consciousness was fading, but he managed to make out the small, arm-sized white creature before him.


    "A rabbit...? cute..."


    He whispered softly, and 505 flashed a screen in front of him. It was not part of its duties, but it wasn''t against the rules either. So, it went ahead and did it. After all, it was somewhat concerned that its host might meet a pitiful end at the hands of rabbits after surviving such larger threats.


    ("Host, the bad news is you have entered the home of a colony of rabbits. The good news is that they are just normal animals.")


    "Oh..."


    Skyler blinked his eyes several times to clear the haze clouding his vision and to keep himself from fainting as he reached out to stroke the rabbit''s head. Perhaps his mind had short-circuited from losing too much blood and enduring so much, but he actually found the rabbit adorable.


    The rabbit obviously bit his finger, but the moment it tasted his blood, its eyes lit up, and it began licking the spot where it had bitten him with a docile demeanor.


    Skyler let out a hoarse chuckle.


    "It... slikes... me."


    505: "...."


    He noticed that the small chamber had several openings in the walls, much like the hole he had come from. It seemed to be connected to the other holes.


    Skyler took a deep, painful breath and closed his eyes to draw the golden Evol particles into his crystal once more to heal himself, but he fainted midway.


    As if sensing his fading breath, the white rabbit licking his finger moved and nudged the glowing grass piled in the chamber.


    It let out strange noises and pushed the grass onto his injured body. Soon, Skyler was entirely buried in grass.


    505: "...."


    What cute??? This rabbit obviously wanted to suffocate its half-dead host to death!


    However, as the system inspected the glowing grass, it was surprised because it was a 1-star herb known as Green and Blue Dew, which could assist newly awakened individuals in sensing their elemental Evol and also possessed healing properties!

 Chapter 21: The kid won’t survive

    Chapter 21: The kid won''t surviveA day ago, in the outside world, Riya Ironhart cried a sea of tears after Skyler vanished from his own room.


    Johnson Ironhart contacted his guild and immediately mobilized all the Lights under his command, regardless of their abilities, to search for his son at any cost.


    Receiving no news throughout the entire afternoon and evening, an announcement was made across Nowan City in the middle of the night on Star-Net, declaring that the individual who had dared to kidnap his son would face a fate worse than death. It was best for them to surrender. Moreover, in the city, anyone who could provide information about Skyler would be rewarded.


    In just one night, the entire city became aware of Skyler Ironhart''s disappearance. His pictures flooded all online platforms, capturing the attention of many.


    Those who had previously seen his face in the videos from the day he awakened as a seemingly useless light elementist with only 1-star potential recognized him.


    Skyler''s bad past, which had hardly faded from public memory, reignited as a heated topic online once again.


    Many speculated that he might have run away, but why would he? Where could he go without any powers? Moreover, if that were true, why would he leave behind his phone, clothes, and even his shoes in his room? It felt as if he had evaporated into thin air.


    Suddenly, a comment appeared in the comments section, suggesting that maybe he too had been forcefully teleported to the initial test of Battle Royale this year.


    But how was that possible? S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So, it was dismissed.


    However, even after the night passed in search, the couple couldn''t find Skyler.


    Early the next morning, standing atop the rooftop of the tallest building in Nowan City, surrounded by many lights, Riya felt a soft tap on her shoulder from one of her friends, a tall blonde woman dressed in a blue suit. However, the words that followed cast a shadow over everyone''s expressions.


    "Maybe... I''m just saying maybe Skyler has been kidnapped by the villains¡ªthose who call themselves the Dark Lights and cause harm to the public?"


    Emily paused for a moment when she noticed Riya''s expression fall. Nevertheless, she continued with her words.


    "The video of the day when Skyler awakened was everywhere for a while... I fear that one of those villains might have taken him for some kind of experiment."


    All the lights around the two, who were scanning the horizon with binoculars and monitoring several screens set up on the rooftop connected to cameras throughout the city, paused at the words.


    If what Emily just said was true, then there would be no way they could find Skyler.


    These Dark Lights, known as villains, operate covertly in the underworld and are wanted criminals everywhere in Eldoria. All of them have huge bounties on their heads, but their leaders never get caught because they are powerful, and many of them have the ability to control the dead. If Skyler had indeed been kidnapped by one of those deranged and crazy individuals, it is likely that the kid is already dead.


    Johnson''s commanding voice, instructing everyone to focus on their jobs, snapped them out of their thoughts. He walked up to Emily with a solemn expression and placed a hand on Riya''s tense back. His wife had just stopped crying, and he didn''t want her to shed any more tears.


    "Don''t think so negatively. We need to find Skyler. I will ensure that my and Riya''s son will be back home safe and sound¡ª"


    His words were cut short when suddenly one of the lights around them shouted that they had received a call saying they knew where Skyler was currently.


    Instantly, everyone gathered around the person, their eyes widening as they heard the informer''s news. A gruff, unsteady old voice echoed from the phone.


    "I am... not drunk. Hiccup. Give me the reward money. I can see that kid you are looking for right in front of me. Yep, he is on TV. He is fighting a lot of fire wolves... with some other kids. Wow, shit, his aim with the bow is so damn crazy. I am betting on him that he is going to kill the most beasts!"


    Everyone glanced at each other, shocked. The most shocked were Riya and Johnson. The old voice stopped, and Johnson quickly snatched the phone before shouting.


    "Where are you? What are you talking about? What fire wolves? Give me your location... right now!"


    Emily glanced at another person.


    "Track this man''s location!"


    Before the man seated before one of the monitor screens could begin tracking, the old voice echoed once more.


    "Sshh... why are you shouting? Oh, someone next to me is saying the other kids are from a famous Starlight Academy, and I''m going to lose money. Haha, why... hiccup... are you looking for the blue-eyed kid when he''s right there... inside the Battle Royale? Anyway, hurry, send me my reward. I want to place a big bet on him."


    Riya lost her footing in a daze. She would have fallen if Johnson hadn''t grabbed her. Emily whispered with wide eyes.


    "Battle Royale? But how..."


    Johnson hurriedly shouted.


    "Now''s not the time to ponder how and why! Everyone, hurry up and start the livestreams that Starlight Academy is broadcasting to showcase their students'' performances!"


    All the lights nodded, and before long, the display on the screens around them shifted, now showcasing those participating in the preliminary test of Battle Royale.


    They saw countless young students, and the channels sometimes even highlighted the youths of other academies who were performing exceptionally well. Therefore, they narrowed their focus solely on the students of Starlight Academy.


    Suddenly, one of the men shouted.


    "I think I found them!"


    Riya and the others rushed toward him. Their eyes locked onto the screen in front of him, which displayed four individuals in Starlight Academy uniforms and a familiar youth with a bow beside them.


    The news anchor was commenting on a student named Max, stating that his and his team''s performance the previous day in the forest was one of the best so far.


    Her eyes trembled slightly.


    "Oh! Honey! It''s really Sky! Oh no! What should we do? The preliminary test is much safer for those students who have trained in the academies... but our Sky..."


    Before she could say any more, Johnson pointed at the screen.


    "Look closely! That''s Jenny with him. His sister is with him. Thank goodness... He will be fine. He will be fine."


    Hearing this, many sighed in relief. They had seen Skyler come into the guild and train, and they knew the kid wasn''t strong enough to survive in the Battle Royal. They had no idea why Skyler had been called to that dangerous test when he was not even eligible, but fortunately, he had somehow found his sister and would have a better chance of survival with her by his side.


    They were all astonished when they saw Skyler throwing a javelin with such ease, as if he had used it countless times. His throw accurately struck the monster!


    "Wow... that was impressive."


    One of the Lights tried to lighten the mood, and everyone agreed with him. Emily sat down in one of the chairs.


    "Of course, he is the son of the most powerful Lights in Nowan City, after all."


    Riya took a deep breath and composed herself. Johnson patted her on the back. They couldn''t enter the preliminary test of the Battle Royal, so they had to place their hopes in their daughter, Jenny, to bring her brother back home safely...


    However, things escalated in the next moment. A monster wave passed through the forest, and all the Lights watched as the group of students, including Jenny, left the injured Skyler behind.


    The drones recording the scene followed the four fleeing students, and soon, Skyler''s figure disappeared from the screen.


    Emily gasped.


    "Omg... the kid won''t survive..."


    Johnson just stared at the screen. The image of Skyler''s injured figure and how his own sister had abandoned him replayed in his mind over and over. He was in denial. His daughter couldn''t do this...


    "Jenny Ironhart!"


    He shouted, and in that instant, Riya fainted. Perhaps she was unable to accept the reality of what she had just witnessed; that''s why, even as a powerful Light, she succumbed to unconsciousness.

 Chapter 22: He was just a stranger

    Chapter 22: He was just a strangerAfter sending Riya home with Emily, Johnson took charge of everything.


    He refused to give up hope. Although it seemed nearly impossible given his son''s strength, he clung to the belief that his son would survive the monster wave.


    His anger toward his daughter was apparent. He knew that the situation in the forest was far too dire at that moment, but having fought in multiple dangerous battles in his life, he could not help but think that if only Jenny and her teammates had acted quickly instead of hesitating at the last moment when Skyler fell¡ªno, if they had kept an eye on him from the start and made him run in the front, knowing he had no elemental power and was the weakest¡ªthey could have helped him in time!


    He clenched his fists.


    "Jenny... I hope you have a solid explanation for what you did! You should have told your team to let your brother run in the front the instant you all learned about the monster wave...!"


    He took a deep breath to calm down. Instead of directing his frustration at Jenny, it was more productive to focus on searching for Skyler in all the livestreams.


    He didn''t rest, nor did he allow the Lights working for him to rest. He even contacted the academies he could for direct access to the livestreams of their students.


    Everyone was on edge, watching every broadcast day and night in search of just a glimpse of Skyler''s living figure. Many of the Lights believed the kid would have already died. How could he survive without any elemental power or battle experience?


    However, they worked for Johnson''s guild, so they didn''t dare voice their opinions and continued searching, consuming countless cups of coffee to stay awake.


    Even when the other leader of the guild discovered this, he didn''t interfere and kept his distance, cheering them on from afar, knowing he would be dragged into work as well by Johnson if he showed up.


    ***


    At the same time, in the preliminary test, the monster wave was still wreaking havoc.


    Many participants died, but the number of casualties was low since nearly all of them were trained to fight and survive.


    They fought alongside their teammates or on their own to survive the monster wave, finding refuge in caves, hidden groves, tree canopies, and elevated areas such as cliffs and ridges throughout the forest.


    Inside a cave concealed behind a layer of green vines, Austin spotted his teammates and quickly gestured for them to enter the cave he had found on the way.


    "Where is Sky?"


    He asked when he noticed only three panting figures entering the cave. Upon hearing his question, Jenny suddenly broke down in tears, while Max stepped forward and shoved his chest roughly.


    "You jerk! Why did you run off first? You know your light element is the strongest among us! You could have healed him... if you had just stayed behind!"


    Austin frowned and shoved Max away. He couldn''t understand why they were directing their anger at him when they were clearly the ones who had left Sky behind.


    "What the... why should I stay back and die just because you all want to save someone we just met? I ran off to survive."


    He straightened his clothes.


    "I don''t see what the big deal is... he was just a stranger, anyway."


    Max''s jaw clenched. It was Jenny who responded to him in a loud voice.


    "He wasn''t! Alright! He wasn''t!"


    Now, she regretted it. She truly did. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She wanted to go back and save him, but she knew it was too late. She realized she had made a mistake. How could she leave her brother behind to die just because she thought he was an embarrassment? How would she now face her parents?


    Eerie silence fell in the cave, with all eyes on Jenny''s tearful figure.


    Elena observed her from a distance with narrowed eyes. If Sky was truly important to her, why did she hesitate?


    Just because she stopped her?


    If he truly mattered to her, Jenny would have leaped into danger to save him rather than wallowing in regret afterward.


    Max settled down next to Jenny.


    "Don''t worry. He will be fine. I saw him hiding... Plus, you created a wind barrier. The moment the monster wave is gone, we will all go look for him. He will be okay."


    His golden eyes stared into hers with such confidence that she stopped crying.


    Austin clicked his tongue at the scene. Even after all this, Jenny still hadn''t revealed how Sky was related to her.


    "I am not going, even if he is important to you. He means nothing to me. Go find him on your own."


    He said this but trailed behind quietly as they all went out to search for Skyler.


    The wind barrier Jenny had created before leaving was gone; clearly, it had shattered. Everything in that area lay in ruins, just like the entire forest, which was devastated by the powerful monster wave.


    Austin''s expression remained casual as he bent down to touch a patch of blood amidst the debris and glanced at Elena.


    "Can you sense a human dead body nearby with your darkness element?"


    His words were harsh, but no one said anything. They watched as Elena spread her elemental power and shook her head.


    Austin scoffed.


    "He survived. Now, stop wasting time. We still need to complete our kill count."


    Jenny shook her head.


    "We need to find him. Even if he survived, with all this blood, he is gravely injured and needs urgent treatment."


    Austin wanted to argue about how they could possibly find a single man in such a vast forest filled with so many people, but he shook his head when Max agreed.


    "Ugh, why did I join your team? I''m regretting it now!"


    They searched for Skyler for two whole days, but it was as if he had vanished into thin air. They couldn''t find him even after following the blood trail, which was barely visible after the monster wave. The group passed by the small rabbit holes, but due to the destruction, all the entrances were concealed among the fallen trees and debris, so they didn''t notice them.


    For some reason, Max was certain that Skyler was alive, which made Jenny feel better. Ultimately, they all began hunting monsters to complete their mission while simultaneously searching for Skyler.


    The team wasn''t sure why Max was so certain, but they trusted him since he had never been wrong. What they didn''t know was that, just like a certain someone, Max was favored by a higher being.


    #Goddess of Compassion: He is alive. I cannot sense his current location, as I am not permitted to interfere in the preliminary test. But his system hasn''t yet reported his death. So, there is no need to worry about him. Focus on completing your trial.

 Chapter 23: Show me my status

    Chapter 23: Show me my statusIt was agonizing and dark... hot and suffocating. Those were Skyler''s thoughts as his heavy eyelids finally fluttered open.


    At first, he was in a daze, disoriented and uncomfortable, staring into the darkness that surrounded his vision, struggling to remember what had happened. Then, the memories from before he fainted surged back like a tide, causing him to blink away the remnants of haze from his eyes.


    He shifted slightly but hissed as his entire body ached. His throat felt unbearably dry, and he was extremely hungry, as if he had not eaten in days.


    Ultimately, he gave up and channeled the golden Evol in his body to heal himself.


    Skyler was astonished to realize that his severe injuries, particularly the deep cuts on his body, had already healed. The pain and discomfort he experienced were simply a result of his stiff and strained muscles.


    He parted his lips and faintly called out to 505. There was a moment of silence before the system screen came into view.


    ("Host! You''re alive! I had almost lost hope... since you didn''t wake up for three whole days, but you made it!")


    Skyler''s eyebrow twitched. Why does it feel like the system is eager for him to die? This annoying system... if only it had a physical form so he could punch it.


    Regardless, if 505 is still here, it means he is alive and breathing. The system''s words also clarify why he felt so hungry; he had been unconscious for three days!


    He narrowed his eyes and shifted his body despite the discomfort. The grass covering him, which had lost its glow, fell away, and finally, the darkness in his vision vanished.


    He glanced around the small chamber. It still had a faint glow, allowing him to see, but most of the unusual glowing blue and green grass had lost its luminescence.


    Sensing his movements, the white rabbit that was pushing more grass toward him let out a joyful sound and moved to touch his fingers.


    Startled, Skyler pulled away, causing the rabbit to gaze at him with a pair of cute, sorrowful eyes, as if it were hurt.


    ''What the....''


    He muttered inwardly, speechless.


    That was when 505 couldn''t take it any longer and decided to intervene, like the good system it was.


    ("Host! How could you be so cruel? This rabbit saved your life by sacrificing all the 1-star grass it had collected to form its first elemental crystal! You should be grateful!")


    Skyler blinked and stared at the rabbit, pondering why an animal would choose to help him. However, he was not ungrateful, so in a gesture of appreciation, he lifted his hand to rub its head and ears.


    "Thanks..."


    The rabbit purred in delight. Skyler''s lips curled upward into a smile. He actually liked this creature, especially its red eyes, which sparkled like rubies... so beautiful.


    The moment he thought this, the rabbit distanced itself from him and shuddered, leaving both him and 505 confused. What they didn''t realize was that it instinctively sensed an inexplicable sense of danger. It had tasted Skyler''s blood and knew that, despite the saintly spiritual side within him that was pure good, there was also a pure dark side that had yet to reveal itself.


    505 suddenly had a realization.


    ("I don''t think this is just a normal animal. We''re in Battle Royal. How could anything be normal here? It probably has powerful ancestors or heightened senses.")


    Skyler nodded. But inwardly, he thought a rabbit was just a rabbit. What could be so special about it?


    He pushed these thoughts aside when he recalled that he had formed his very first elemental crystal! Licking his dry lips in anticipation, he spoke in a raspy voice.


    "505?... Show me my status."


    ("Oh, right, host! Congratulations, you are no longer a 0-star with no power! You now possess a meager amount of power!")


    Skyler''s eyebrow twitched, but before he could snap, fortunately, 505 displayed his status. The system was also happy to see its host improve instead of dying.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 1-star (Final stage)


    2) Darkness: 0-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: (Locked)


    4) ??? S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Overall Strength: 1-star Novice (Final stage)


    Potential: 5-star Novice


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''... Loading... attempting to retrieve more information. Failed.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: None


    _______


    Skyler''s eyes widened when he saw his status. His second element, the Darkness element, was unlocked! Now he could form his second elemental crystal whenever he wanted and use that element!


    To make him even more thrilled, another element had appeared in his status, and it was the Space element! This meant he could unlock it in the future!


    Space has always been the rarest element in Eldoria, and Space elementists are highly sought after everywhere because they are the only ones capable of creating storage rings and teleportation devices!


    "505... There are still question marks under the Space element. Does that mean I could manipulate more elements in the future?"


    He asked tentatively, holding his breath.


    ("It''s the same as I mentioned before. The question marks indicate that there are more elements the host can have an affinity with, but the system isn''t able to determine how many or which ones.")


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled, and he let out a laugh, only to end up coughing due to his dry throat. He patted his chest softly, and his lips curled into a wide smirk.


    He was already a tri-elementist, but he could become someone who wields four or potentially even more!


    His potential had increased as well! Granted, it had only risen from 1-star to 5-star, but it remained locked, indicating that he could enhance it in the future!


    His happiness was palpable and even affected the little rabbit, but 505 just had to pour a bucket of cold water on his joy.


    ("Host, you are still just a 1-star who is currently losing life due to extreme hunger and thirst. Your injuries are healed, but you have lost a significant amount of blood, so you need something substantial to regain it. Please calm down and find something to eat, as I don''t want to lose you just yet.")

 Chapter 24: Do you need help?

    Chapter 24: Do you need help?With a sweep of his hand, Skyler hastily cleared the transparent screen in front of him. It flickered and dissolved into thin air.


    He sighed and shifted his body.


    The rabbit before him moved back to give him more space. It watched silently as he unclenched and clenched his fists before stretching his legs and arms slightly.


    Skyler couldn''t stand up since the underground chamber wasn''t big enough, so he had to make do with it.


    His stomach growled with hunger, and his eyelids felt a bit heavy. Still, he pushed the heaviness aside and reached out to stroke the rabbit''s head one last time.


    "Truly, thank you, little one. I don''t have anything with me, but if we ever meet again, I will surely repay this favor."


    The rabbit nudged his fingers with a confused look in its red eye. Skyler chuckled softly and glanced at the grass surrounding him. When he first arrived, the entire chamber was filled with its glow. But now, except for a small patch, all the grass had lost its luminescence, indicating it had been used to heal his injuries.


    "Goodbye. Take care."


    Wholeheartedly, he hoped inwardly that this little rabbit become a strong creature in the future. Then, he turned his body back to the hole behind him and slowly crawled in.


    The rabbit watched his fading form, a white gem mark illuminating on its forehead as it tilted its head with a blink. 505 was startled to notice the glowing mark. The system had never encountered such a mark before, so it quickly dug through the database.


    To its shock, it uncovered the results.


    The mark was known as the ''Emblem of Gratitude.'' It manifests on its own when a higher being marks another. It also serves as a form of repayment, helping the bearer grow stronger at an accelerated rate.


    Every higher being possesses a distinct mark that sets their unique identity apart from others. However, the white gem mark that 505 saw on the rabbit''s forehead was not recorded anywhere in the database, as if such a mark did not exist.


    505''s mind short-circuited. Questions like: What on earth was its host? How could he possess the power to bestow such a mark onto another? gawned at the system''s core.


    The system even accessed the systems'' group chat and typed furiously, only to be told that it needed maintenance. How can a mortal who hasn''t yet passed the initial test of the Battle Royal possess such ability?


    505: Why does no one believe it!? Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It wanted to take a picture to show them proof, but it was already too late. The mark on the rabbit''s forehead had vanished.


    While the system was going crazy, the culprit had already exited the hole. Skyler hastily shielded his eyes from the blinding sunlight. He surveyed the ruins surrounding him. The trees lay broken, and the ground was indented with large footprints.


    He searched for the sneaker he had lost when entering the hole and began to clear the debris around him. At that moment, a shadow loomed over him.


    Skyler froze, his hands instinctively reaching to grab the earth, ready to attack. But before he could, a male voice, tinged with joy as if he had finally found what he had been looking for, echoed above him.


    "Do you need help?"


    He looked up at the owner of the voice. It was a tall young man with short dark hair and striking silver eyes, clad in a familiar Starlight Academy uniform. Zack''s eyes sparkled as he chuckled inwardly.


    ''Finally, found you! My personal healer!''


    He extended his hand toward Skyler, his smile growing wider with each second.


    Skyler shuddered at the smile and the outstretched hand. Why did he feel like the man in front of him was gazing at him like one of those ruthless old bosses who had just discovered an innocent employee they could work to the bone without pay? His perception of the students at Starlight Academy diminished even further.


    It seemed all the students of that top academy were very, very weird.


    The longer Skyler hesitated to take Zack''s hand to stand up, the more impatient Zack grew. He waited and waited, but the boy in front of him just glanced at him with those narrow blue eyes filled with suspicion. His smile grew stiff, and he lowered his hand.


    Skyler''s stomach grumbled at that moment, causing him to feel embarrassed and finally retract his gaze. Zack raised an eyebrow.


    "Are you hungry?"


    He asked in a very soft voice, his eyes scanning Skyler''s whole body, assessing his condition. The latter''s clothes were stained with dried blood and torn in various places; he was even missing a shoe.


    "You are injured as well."


    Saying that, without hesitation, he hurriedly took out a pack of dried nuts and a bottle of water from one of the storage rings on his fingers and held them out to him.


    "Here, this water is infused with healing properties, and the nuts are packed with enough energy to fill your stomach even if you haven''t eaten for days. I''ve heard they grow in lands filled with elemental power."


    Skyler''s suspicion grew. This was the second person to show him such kindness. The first was Max. Yet, unlike Max, whom he knew was good to him because of his older sister, this time he had no idea why a stranger was being nice to him.


    He felt reluctant, but considering his condition, he accepted what was offered, silently planning to leave this place the moment he regained some energy.


    Behind Zack, two ordinary-looking individuals¡ªa short woman with dark hair and a sturdy male with a muscular build, both clad in the Starlight Academy uniform¡ªglanced at each other in surprise. Oreon and Mila had spent the last few days with Zack and knew he wasn''t a kind soul.


    He had suddenly appeared out of nowhere when they were in danger, and after helping them, he asked them to join his team.


    The two agreed easily because the teams they had allied with before being teleported to the preliminary test of the Battle Royale left them during the monster wave.


    Now, witnessing this familiar scene, they knew Zack was also planning to recruit this young man for his team. Zack''s next words to Skyler confirmed their suspicions.


    "My name is Zack. I am a dual elementist with an affinity for lightning and fire."


    He could manipulate more elements, but these were the only ones the original owner of the body could, so he couldn''t reveal the others. He slowly turned back.


    "These two are my teammates: Mila, a water and wind elementist, and Oreon, an earth elementist. I am the front fighter, Mila is a ranged fighter, and Oreon is the shield of the group..."


    Skyler, who had finished drinking the water and was eating some nuts, finally feeling a bit refreshed, felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu when Zack turned back to him with a smile.


    "Would you like to join our team?"

 Chapter 25: A healer?

    Chapter 25: A healer?Noticing Skyler''s silence in response to Zack''s offer, Mila stepped forward.


    She had a preference for attractive individuals, and Skyler was undeniably one of them, even though he appeared younger and weaker compared to them.


    "It''s not safe to wander around here alone. You can join us. Don''t worry, even though Zack''s sudden invitation out of nowhere seems suspicious, he''s not a bad guy."


    She said with a smile. Mila could easily sense that he was a 1-star Light who had recently formed his first elemental crystal from the faint aura¡ªa subtle Evol field that surrounds awakened individuals after they create their first crystal¡ªaround him.


    Lights can sense the strength of those equal to or weaker than them, but not of those who are stronger.


    If someone lacks Evol, that means they are ordinary individuals. But there are abilities and artifacts that hide the aura of Lights, so sometimes it gets confusing to believe that the person in front of them is just a mere mortal, as there is a chance they might be hiding their aura.


    Skyler glanced at her.


    "Do you know him personally? Why do you believe he is not a bad guy?"


    Mila was stunned. This handsome youth was so suspicious. She could understand, though, considering he was weak, but what puzzled her was why he was so weak.


    Everyone in Eldoria awakens at the age of 16. They are teleported here at 20.


    During the 4-year timeframe they have in between, they enter academies, join guilds to gain combat experience, or train under their elders to prepare and grow stronger.


    A thought suddenly struck Mila, and her eyes widened. She managed to hide her surprise, but Zack noticed it and inwardly clicked his tongue when he saw that she had focused on unnecessary details.


    Well, he would not expect anything less from the side characters he picked for his team. She and Oreon were supposed to die in this test, but he had changed their fate.


    Mila sat down next to Skyler. Oreon followed suit, and Zack could only remain silent for a while, feeling very annoyed. She thought for a second.


    "Trust is a significant word... I won''t say that I trust him completely, but we are from the same academy, and we have fought the monsters together over the past few days, so I believe he is not a bad guy."


    Skyler nodded. She was right. After what Jenny¡ªhis own sister¡ªand her team had done, he couldn''t trust anyone to watch his back. But that didn''t mean he couldn''t join a team. They were strong, and right now, he couldn''t fight powerful monsters alone. He also lacked food and clothing. So, it was best to team up with them.


    ''I can just not put my trust in them.''


    He looked Zack directly in the eyes.


    "My name is Skyler. I am a Light elementist. Thank you for inviting me to your team."


    Zack smiled on the surface, but inside, he was cursing the Keeper of Time. Why the hell did this insignificant side character take so long to join his team?


    Even the protagonist, Max, wouldn''t have taken this long to agree if he had invited that jerk! And why was this kid so handsome? Wasn''t he supposed to be an unknown side character?


    "Good, Skyler. Welcome to the team. I am delighted to hear you are a Light elementist. Our team lacked that element. Now you can fill the role of a healer for everyone."


    Skyler blinked in surprise. A healer?


    He had heard that, according to the elements that Lights awakened, they could choose different classes¡ªa specific role or specialization that one could adopt¡ªlike fighters who wield weapons infused with elemental power, tanks, mages who have high intelligence and can cast many spells with their elemental power, healers, and many more that he couldn''t even count.


    One could choose multiple classes or change their classes, but that would cause them to fall behind in strength, so usually, people only picked one class to focus on.


    He had never thought he would want to become a healer. No, the truth was, just a few days ago, he didn''t even know he would be selecting a class for himself since he was someone with no future as a Light.


    "A healer? I can try since I don''t have a particular preference for any class, but I have no skills, as I have never entered another realm to fight."


    Zack stared at him, his eyebrow twitching and polite smile cracking a bit.


    "What about spells? You could have at least learned a basic healing spell in the past few years since you awakened..."


    Skyler shook his head. He hadn''t learned one since he couldn''t use Evol. Also, spell books and scrolls aren''t available online, as their distribution is controlled by the royalty and they are very expensive. Why would he buy one when he had no use for it? Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mila and Oreon looked at him with wide eyes. They could tell that Skyler was one of those unfortunate souls who got teleported to this place due to some error. But if he had no abilities, how had he survived the monster wave?


    Zack''s smile faded completely. Seeing Skyler''s condition, he had planned to give his team''s future healer some time to heal and rest, but now he no longer wanted to.


    No one on his team possessed the Light element, which meant they couldn''t teach Skyler any spells related to it. Even if they could, what were the chances that this boy, who had never heard or seen spells before, would be able to learn them? Learning even the simplest of spells wasn''t easy, as they were quite difficult to memorize.


    Heck! Even he took some time to become familiar with how to correctly chant spells, despite having seen all the memories of the body he inhabited, which had already learned many spells before he arrived.


    Zack started to regret giving away the expensive water and nuts he had bought at the academy with his hard-earned money.


    He couldn''t help but doubt the paragraph in the novel he read in his past life that stated Skyler was destined to be the greatest Light elementist in this universe when he clearly hadn''t learned a single spell yet!


    ''Don''t tell me I made a mistake and included a dead weight in my team? The novel just mentioned Skyler''s death, saying he was destined to become the best Light Elementist, not that he would. Shit... What are the chances he would now that I''ve changed his fate of death?''

 Chapter 26: You’re too short

    Chapter 26: You''re too shortThe more Zack thought about how he had wasted so much time searching for Skyler, the more annoyed he became.


    Suddenly, he moved, wanting to snatch the remaining nuts from the ash-brown-haired youth who seemed to be done eating and looked satisfied. But before he could, the latter stored the pack in his storage ring.


    ''Damn it! Did he sense my intentions?''


    Skyler didn''t notice the myriad of emotions that crossed Zack''s face. He had long since turned his gaze away and was checking his storage ring¡ªthe one his parents had gifted him previously¡ªbut he could only use it now that he could harness Evol.


    He smiled when he saw that his ring had ample space, equal to that of a standard room, about 10 to 12 feet. It looked like his parents had gotten him an expensive ring. At least something good had happened.


    Seeing his smile, Mila giggled.


    ''How pretty... he looks so good when he smiles. It''s even more beautiful than Max, the most famous student in our year.''


    Her thoughts were interrupted when Zack suddenly clapped his hands with a curt and annoyed expression, as if his earlier polite demeanor was nothing but a facade.


    "Okay, Skyler, since you aren''t useful, just stay back and don''t join the battle until we get some spells for you. Everyone, hurry up! What are you wasting time for? We need to complete our kill count."


    With that, Zack turned with a click of his tongue, ready to go fight some monsters. He wanted a good healer for his team, not someone he had to teach even the basics!


    Mila and Oreon stood up and hurriedly dusted off their clothes to follow him, a bit surprised because they had thought they would give Skyler some time to rest. But they didn''t question his decision, as Zack was the strongest among them.


    Skyler stood up as well. He wanted to dust off his clothes but, seeing their state, could only sigh. Thanks to the water and nuts, he no longer felt hungry or tired.


    He called out to Zack.


    "Wait, I''ll do my best to be the healer. You''re the team leader, right? Can you give me a few pairs of clothes and shoes if you have any extras? I don''t have anything with me."


    Zack nearly tripped. Not one, this jerk was asking for a few pairs directly?? Really? Of course, as a man with no shame, he would never admit that it was his own fault that the boy ended up here without anything.


    Skyler followed them. He knew he was being somewhat brazen by asking for so much when they had just met a while ago, but he had nothing with him. So this time, he wanted to get some clothes and shoes to prepare for any future situations.


    Zack flashed him a polite smile, but his words were anything but kind. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My clothes won''t fit you. You''re too short. And my shoes are too big as well."


    Skyler froze. One thing he didn''t like was people mentioning his height. He knew he was a bit shorter than most for his age. A vein flared on his forehead, and he clenched his fists tightly. His impression of Zack had just plummeted to rock bottom.


    "Just say it; you don''t want to give. There''s no need to make excuses."


    Zack looked at him with a wounded expression, as if he truly meant no harm. Seeing the fake look that couldn''t even fool a child, Skyler felt an urge to punch him.


    Oreon intervened, sensing that they were about to fight, and quickly offered Skyler a few pairs of shoes and clothes.


    "They are a bit large since I am on the muscular side, but they are new. I have plenty, so you can take them."


    Skyler discarded his only sneaker since he could not find the other and quickly put on one of the pairs of dark shoes. He stored the rest in his storage ring and murmured a sincere thanks. Yet, his anger simmered just beneath the surface. On his hit list, Zack''s name was written in bold red.


    He was the one who asked him to join his team. But after realizing he was useless, he changed his colors? That''s it, isn''t it?


    If he ever got the chance, he was going to make this hypocritical bastard suffer.


    ''I am sure if he knew my potential, he would not have even asked me to join his team!''


    505, who had been grappling with the fact that its host possessed the ability to use the mark of ''Emblem of Gratitude,'' just had to show up and poke its nosy self at this very moment to further fuel his anger.


    ("Host... I was wondering, are you sure you are human? Should I check your race? You just need to give me permission...")


    It was startled when Skyler shattered the screen into fragments with his hands. The system vanished instantly. Its host was truly scary! This time, 505 meant it literally, as it had witnessed not long ago that its host was no ordinary human!

 Chapter 27: Stay behind and wait

    Chapter 27: Stay behind and waitMila noticed Skyler''s bad mood and held out a dark dagger to him with a sigh.


    "Don''t mind Zack. Here, take this. It''s the only weapon I have since I don''t use one. You can use it to protect yourself later if we''re busy fighting and can''t help you."


    Skyler muttered a thank you and took the weapon. It was light with a curved blade. The cold metallic surface gave him a nice feeling as he twirled it between his fingers.


    Seeing the smooth movement, Oreon blinked in surprise. Was it his imagination, or did the way Skyler maneuvered the dagger look very professional?


    "You know how to use it?"


    He asked aloud, unable to contain his curiosity, and Skyler shook his head. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No, but I used it once in a game where I played as an assassin-type fighter to get my hands on some treasure after my ''team'' accidentally died... It shouldn''t be any different, right? Using it in real life?"


    Oreon''s eyebrow twitched, and Mila just laughed. As a good person, Oreon wanted to burst his bubble and tell him that using weapons in video games, which are played with buttons, is different from reality. But he couldn''t because Zack stopped them all.


    "Guys, there are six monsters a distance away from us: one 4-star, four 2-star, and one 3-star. Get ready for battle."


    "Skyler stay behind and wait. You won''t be able to handle it if those beasts attack you."


    Mila and Oreon quickly got ready. The duo didn''t use weapons, nor did Zack. They left together to kill the monsters.


    Skyler watched them leave as they disappeared into the trees, sighing. Why was he being treated like this everywhere?


    "First Jenny''s team, now them... they''re all the same. Why don''t they give me a chance to fight? It''s not like I will die from a single attack. I know how to fight, alright."


    Now that he was alone, he changed into a clean set of clothes. Just as Oreon had said earlier to him, the deep blue hoodie and dark trousers were oversized, but he couldn''t be choosy at that moment.


    The sounds of fighting reverberated in the distance and eventually faded as he waited for them to return.


    He waited, and waited, and waited silently and patiently, but they didn''t come back.


    Ultimately, fed up with waiting, Skyler went to see what the hell they were doing, only to discover some dead bodies of monsters and no one else around. He blinked.


    "Oh, it seems I am abandoned for the second time. Well, at least they didn''t leave me in a life-and-death situation."


    He let out a chuckle and toyed with the dagger in his hand. Interesting, what a way to abandon someone. He would remember this and use it in the future on others.


    "To think they were the ones who asked me to join their team when I didn''t even want to. It''s truly laughable."


    With a hum, he turned to leave, already aware of why they did what they did. He was weak and not needed; that was why.


    "505, I lost my gems due to the monster wave. How about we start collecting some more now that I have a weapon?"


    The system, which had been silent, instantly sprang into action. How could it forget that they still had to complete the mission of killing 300 monsters in 30 days? Many days had already passed. They couldn''t waste any more time!


    ("Host on your left, a bit of distance away, there is a winged 1-star darkness element blackbird. It has a gem on its forehead!")


    Skyler nodded and left. He heard the sounds of footsteps and paused. A group of individuals with beautiful wings on their backs passed by his side. He couldn''t see their faces because they were moving very fast and left in a blur, but their iridescent wings were breathtaking. He wondered what their race was.


    He had never heard of any race in Eldoria that possessed iridescent wings, except for the beast race, which had animal features¡ªbut they had bird-like wings.


    "But why are they here? Isn''t it usually the case that during the preliminary test, even though the testing area stays the same for all, each planet''s residents are teleported to locations that are far apart? So, I should only encounter people from my planet. Or perhaps I''m mistaken. I don''t have much knowledge about the Battle Royal."


    Skyler muttered. He wouldn''t have paid much attention, but for some reason, he felt a sense of familiarity when that group of winged individuals passed by. However, he left when the system informed him that their target, the blackbird, was fleeing.


    Just like him, another individual passed in their tracks. A pair of beautiful red ruby eyes looked back. The owner frowned.


    "What was that feeling just now?"


    Seeing her stop so suddenly, everyone around her came to a halt as well.


    "What happened, princess?"


    "We need to check if any fragments are here before the test ends. What if one of them is here and we miss it?"


    "Yes, we won''t be able to return here since it''s just a testing ground, not the real Battle Royal, once the time limit expires."


    The one they referred to as the princess nodded with a faint sigh. It was likely just her imagination and nothing more.


    Even though her mother, the Spirit Queen, disagreed, now that she was participating in the preliminary test of Battle Royale with her peers, she wanted to look for the scattered fragments of her incomplete soul herself.


    That''s why she couldn''t afford to waste time, because the longer she delayed, the closer she would get to death.

 Chapter 28: Why would I?

    Chapter 28: Why would I?Far from Skyler''s location, Mila glared at Zack with a dark expression.


    "If we were going to abandon him in the end, why did you invite him to join us so eagerly in the first place?"


    She clenched her fists, fuming. She understood what he meant when he said that they were in a dangerous place where they could hardly protect themselves; it was not wise to let Skyler stay with them. She also knew that she was equally at fault, just like Zack, for leaving Skyler behind. But she couldn''t shake her anger. She needed an outlet to express her frustration.


    Oreon sighed, unsure of what to say anymore. Actually, they could let Skyler tag along, but what if another monster wave showed up or something similar? They wouldn''t be able to protect him. So, it was better to separate from him. Even though what they did felt very immoral, it was the best course of action.


    Zack paused in his tracks. The three had come a long way from Skyler. He couldn''t help but scoff inwardly at Mila''s remarks.


    He looked back at Mila, his silver eyes narrowing with seriousness.


    "I gave the two of you a choice, didn''t I? I said to follow me or stay behind. What did you choose again?"


    She pursed her lips, aware that this was indeed what had happened.


    Zack continued, just wanting to close the Chapter of Skyler and forget about him.


    "We''ve already helped him enough with what we''ve done. Don''t worry about him, and focus on completing your trial. If we fail, you know that we can never enter the Battle Royal again, let alone become a powerful Light in the future." Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mila nodded silently. She couldn''t compromise her future for someone she didn''t even know; her entire family''s hopes rested on her. But then she looked at him.


    "I hope you won''t do the same to us."


    Oreon tensed up at her blunt words. But Zack just let out a chuckle. How could he abandon them? They weren''t like Skyler, who was mentioned only once in the novel just to convey his death. They were indeed supposed to die here, but they had a lot of potential and were already quite powerful. Their spotlight had simply been taken by the protagonist and his team.


    "I won''t. I promise you this: as long as you two never betray me, I won''t either."


    He even made a cross sign on his heart with his finger to show the two his sincerity. The tension in the air finally eased, and Mila smiled at his childish gesture.


    They began to move together once more, fighting and Killing monsters when a screen suddenly flashed in front of Zack.


    #Keeper of Time: I have a bad feeling about this. You chose Skyler and altered his fate. He wasn''t meant to be here. Are you certain this is the right choice? His presence could change the course of the story.


    Zack waved his hand with a tsk, and the screen vanished into thin air. Skyler wasn''t powerful. Why would his presence matter?


    They didn''t know much about him; all they knew was that he was the younger brother of one of the female leads who would die two years from now at the age of 20. From this, they understood that Skyler would be 18 this year and ineligible to participate in the preliminary test of the Battle Royale. So, the Keeper of Time, who brought him here, didn''t pay much attention to other factors. But who would have guessed that even his potential was ineligible to be here!


    Zack grimaced inwardly and whispered.


    "Skyler only has 5-star potential as a Light. If only you, a higher being, had checked this earlier before bringing him here, I wouldn''t have even bothered with him."


    #Keeper of Time: The main system would have noticed my interference, so I had to act fast when I brought him here. Checking his potential is the last thing I could do with my abilities. Now, my access is restricted. I just hope you don''t regret your choice.


    Zack let out a laugh, but since he was quite far from Mila and Oreon, who had started fighting a monster, they didn''t hear him.


    "Why would I?"


    ***


    In a different location, as if sensing his name being spoken, Skyler sneezed.


    "Who''s talking about me?"


    He wondered for a moment but then shrugged it off. His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized the 2-star earth element bear panting before him. A brown gem gleamed on its forehead, and its limbs and stomach were covered in rocky armor.


    With a sudden surge, Skyler tilted the curved dagger in his hand, slashing at the bear''s left shoulder before executing a perfect backflip to evade its counterattack.


    "Its skin is tough."


    He murmured and ran when the bear stomped its limbs on the ground with a roar, causing the land to shake. Earth spikes shot out toward him, but he dodged to the side. He had learned the bear''s attack pattern, so even though the monster was stronger, he could predict and evade its moves.


    "Besides the armor on its body, it can form and launch earth spikes, stomp to shake the ground, and create mud traps. That''s it. It''s just like a game where one can analyze the beast''s attack patterns to take it down."


    Watching him, 505 was freaking out. Its host has forgotten that he has just 1-star power! The fact that he can kill 2-star monsters so easily just because he has a weapon does nothing to help the situation. Now he''s even treating everything like a game!


    ("Host... please be careful!")


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled. He had long since learned to ignore the system. His gaze was fixed on the gem on the bear''s forehead as he leaped toward the creature.


    His movements were precise as he clenched the dagger, aiming for the bear''s eye. After all, every monster''s vital points that dealt the most damage were same.


    Sensing the impending attack, the bear raised its forelimbs to shield its eyes and let out a roar, unleashing a barrage of earth spikes in his direction. 505 flashed a screen in front of him, momentarily forgetting that it wasn''t supposed to interfere so freely.


    ("Danger! Retreat!")


    Skyler smirked, but he didn''t retreat. Instead, he tilted his body in mid-air. The golden Evol within him responded to him, surging through his body to enhance his movements. A few earth spikes grazed his arm, but his eyes gleamed, and with all his strength, he slashed the bear''s neck. Blood sprayed out instantly as he landed a distance away behind the bear.


    A loud thud echoed behind him, signaling that his opponent had been defeated. The system went silent but quickly flashed a notification when it remembered its duty.


    ("Congratulations, host! You have slain another 2-star monster! You have earned 10 more points, which can be used when the system store opens!")


    Skyler cleaned the blood off his dagger. He noticed a few cracks in its blade. He didn''t sense it at first, but the dagger''s blade was imbued with elemental power; otherwise, it would have never penetrated the bear''s skin, let alone last for so long.


    "I guess I need a new weapon. This one will break after a few more fights."


    With a sigh, he turned to the bear''s body. Instantly, his face lit up.


    "Hehe... time to get my gem."


    A familiar, eerie laugh echoed in the air as he extracted the brown gem from the bear''s forehead. The laugh startled the system, which was already quite spooked by him.


    He stored the gem in his storage ring and could only mourn internally as he stood up and left the monster''s body behind. Now that he had become accustomed to his situation, he could think about other things, like how the monsters'' bodies could sell for a decent sum in the outside world. Many places used their body parts to craft weapons and various other items.


    However, he only had one storage ring, so he couldn''t fill it with dead bodies.


    "What a waste of easy money. 505, guide me to another 1-star or 2-star monster. I still have the stamina to fight."

 Chapter 29: Battle stages I

    Chapter 29: Battle stages IUnder a starry night, Skyler sat cross-legged, absorbing golden Evol into his body to fill his elemental crystal.


    He could sense the tiny particles twinkling around him, and as they entered his body, they automatically flowed into his crystal.


    Due to a day spent running around and battling monsters, he had left the area of pine trees behind and was now seated among rows of maple trees with crimson leaves that danced in the cold night breeze, in a section that, for some reason, had not been ravaged by the monster wave.


    The oversized blue hoodie and dark trousers he wore were sufficient to keep him warm. After a while, his crystal was filled. He exhaled and opened his eyes.


    "I am hungry and thirsty. I have the nuts, but... 505, are there any fruit trees or edible herbs nearby? Or a water source?"


    As usual, the system went AFK just when he needed it the most.


    "You''re useless, you know that, 505?"


    He continued on, talking to himself just to stave off the loneliness he was feeling now that he was all alone with nothing to do.


    With the hood of his hoodie pulled over his head, he leaned back against a tree trunk, gazing up at the starry sky. So much had transpired in such a short time that it had completely changed his life.


    "So, is this my second life? Or perhaps someone has interfered with my future and altered what was meant to happen?"


    Skyler wondered aloud, startling 505, who was trying its best to ignore him.


    He had seen himself spending the 18 and 19 years of his life with his parents before entering the realm of spirits... Everything went blank, and the next second, he saw himself seated atop a throne.


    "Why can''t I remember everything? For example, how I fought in that realm to reach that throne. If I could, at least I would have acquired many spells and skills from those memories. Instead, all I''ve gained is confusion and the unsettling realization that my future has been altered."


    With a sigh, he pushed everything to the back of his mind. It didn''t matter; he never believed in a second life to begin with. He believed in the present and would make it even better than that memory.


    He would acquire new and superior skills than the ''he'' who sat on that throne. And he would make sure the person who altered his fate regretted interfering in his life. To do that, he had to grow stronger¡ªstronger than the ''he'' who occupied the throne.


    Skyler''s eyes narrowed in the darkness.


    "505, show me progress of the mission I need to complete to pass this test."


    A screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Kill monsters: 300/21


    Time remaining: 25 days


    Host, you are far behind everyone!")


    Skyler clicked his tongue.


    After so much hard work throughout the day, his kill count had only reached 21?


    But that was to be expected; he wasn''t strong enough to take on many monsters at once. So, he had been killing them one at a time while avoiding the other participants.


    "I am 1-star right now. It will take me some time to break through to the next star since I haven''t been able to find any treasures."


    He waved his fingers, feeling the dark Evol around him... but he didn''t want to craft his second crystal hastily like the first crystal and end up harming his heart.


    "I will first reach 5-star in my Light element. Then I will form my second crystal."


    Skyler was about to rest for the night, but his peace was shattered by 505. This time, the system didn''t flash a warning screen in front of him about a monster wave; instead, it felt more like an alert.


    ("The battle stages are about to open. Participants can climb a stage to fight monsters and gain essence and points in return for each kill. Please head to the nearest stage to participate. Participation in the battle stages is not mandatory.")


    "Battle stages...? And what is essence?"


    He muttered and jolted to his feet when he saw countless pillars of light descending from the dark sky all around the forest.


    "What the... 505, give me more details!"


    ("More information will be provided if the participant climb a battle stage.")


    "505?? You are totally useless! Alright, guide me to the nearest battle stage!"


    He ran through the cluster of tall trees, heading toward the nearest pillar of light.


    Just like him, all the other participants rushed toward the battle stages.


    Unlike him, those who had trained to enter this place knew what essence was in the Battle Royal¡ªit was a more concentrated form of Evol that entered a person''s body and increased their strength, regardless of their elemental affinity, without harming them¡ªso they were excited to hear the announcement and climb the stages.


    "Hopefully, the essence is something shiny... just like the elemental stones."


    505: "..." Does its host have nothing in his head except sparkling things?


    Skyler paused as he arrived in front of a light pillar, surrounded by trees. One of its ends was connected to the sky, and beneath it, three round white massive stages had materialized out of thin air.


    Many individuals, including humans, dwarves, elves, and even a group from the beast race, had already gathered around the stages. He pushed through the crowd to observe the scene. He was more drawn to the pillar of light than to the three stages.


    "Why is no one climbing the stages?"


    He knew he was the weakest in the crowd, so he did not move first to avoid trouble. A tall man beside him scoffed at his words.


    "It''s because everyone is waiting for someone else to make the first move, so they can be sure that climbing the stages isn''t dangerous. They want a test subject."


    Skyler muttered a thank you to the man, only to scurry away when he saw the horns on his head. Thinking how the system had not warned them of any danger, he raised his hand and stepped out of the crowd.


    "I will climb. Let me be the test subject."


    Hearing him, all eyes in the area fixed on him. Everyone was surprised when they sensed his strength through his aura. Instantly, murmurs echoed in the air.


    "A 1-star Light?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "So weak? Why is he even here?"


    "He looks young; don''t tell me he arrived here accidentally?"


    "Let him climb. We can easily handle him since he isn''t powerful."


    "I agree as well. Let this human climb."


    Skyler didn''t wait any longer and quickly climbed one of the white stages. Just as he had expected, nothing happened. A screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Host has climbed a battle stage. Monsters one star higher than your strength will appear. Defeating each will reward you with essence and points. These kills will also contribute to your mission to pass the preliminary test.


    Would you like to proceed?


    Note: The stage will be locked once you agree, and you won''t be able to leave until you admit defeat.")


    Skyler''s lips curled upward. The stage will be locked. Doesn''t that mean no one else would be able to climb it either?


    "Proceed!"


    He shouted, and those who saw the wicked smile beneath his hood flinched, feeling as if they had made a grave mistake.

 Chapter 30: Battle stages II

    Chapter 30: Battle stages IIThe crowd understood why Skyler was smiling when a barrier appeared around his stage. Some people tried to climb it, but the barrier pushed them away.


    Immediately, two 5-star elves jumped to the remaining two empty stages, while the rest could only grit their teeth and watch.


    The tall horned man from the beast race who had spoken to Skyler earlier shouted.


    "Damn it! Get down, you bastards!"


    One of the others replied.


    "We can''t even leave, since the stages below the other pillars of light will already be occupied by others!"


    Suddenly, a dwarf stepped in.


    "Everyone, calm down. It''s not like they will be up there forever. They will be down in no time, and then we can climb."


    His words made sense. The crowd calmed down and settled in the vicinity, prepared to compete against everyone else to climb the stages the moment they got a chance.


    All of them were powerful and had killed many monsters in the past few days, as the forest was filled with many weak monsters. So, they were not concerned about their 300 kill count to pass the preliminary test.


    They watched as monsters materialized from the light of the pillar in front of the three individuals on the stages.


    Those from the academies in the crowd activated the ant-sized drones they had to broadcast this new development in the preliminary test to the outside world.


    Skyler took out his dagger. His first opponent was a 2-star wind-element frog. Just as the system mentioned, the beast was a star higher in strength than him.


    He grimaced at the sight, and the crowd snickered, certain this 1-star would be the first to crawl off the stage. The cracked weapon in his hand did nothing to improve his chances of winning in their eyes. The fact that this human had survived so long in this place was already a miracle.


    The other two elves on the battle stages were also facing massive frogs, but their opponents were 6-star in strength.


    Skyler''s eyes narrowed when the frog''s lengthy tongue shot out toward his head, causing him to sprint in another direction.


    As he dashed across the stage in circles, many in the crowd burst into laughter. But what occurred next silenced them.


    Skyler reached the frog''s side. In a split second, he executed a right flip while still in motion. With a powerful arc, he slashed the dagger precisely at the frog''s neck.


    The creature let out a cry of pain, and in retaliation, wind blades erupted toward him. But Skyler was quick; he rolled away just in time, narrowly avoiding the attack.


    "Not bad. My speed has increased."


    He murmured and sprang to his feet to avoid the frog that jumped in his direction, trying to crush him under its weight.


    The other two elves were also holding their own. Faint murmurs echoed in the crowd.


    "They are not bad. The short 1-star human as well. He is good in combat."


    "Yeah, he is running around, but none of his movements are wasted."


    "He knows he is weak; that''s why he is not attacking directly from the front."


    A vein flared on Skyler''s forehead when he caught someone calling him short.


    His blue eyes darkened, and he vented his anger on the frog in front of him since he couldn''t identify which tiny bastard called him short, nor could he battle them.


    With a sudden rush, he slashed his dagger directly at the spot where he had injured the frog earlier. With a low thud, the frog''s body fell to the ground, and he raised his hand to remove the hood from his head, causing his ash-brown hair to shimmer in the light.


    A drop of sweat rolled down his face, making him look nothing less than a model.


    Of course, he did it deliberately to show that bastard who called him short that, so what if he was short? He was handsome!


    This was the very scene Max and his team saw when they arrived. Not just them; Zack and his team also witnessed it.


    Jenny exhaled deeply; the weight on her shoulders, which had felt like it would crush her, lifted. A smile appeared on her face. He was fine... Her brother was really fine.


    Zack cursed under his breath.


    "Shit! The first person to climb that stage was supposed to be Max when the crowd hesitated! Austin and Jenny were supposed to take the other two stages! What the hell happened? And why is Skyler there?!"


    Skyler, unbothered by the eyes on him, watched as the lifeless body of the frog in front of him dissipated into faint particles that entered his body. The hunger, thirst, and tiredness he felt disappeared, and he sensed that he had become stronger. He clenched and unclenched his fists.


    "Damn, so this is essence? This stuff is almost addictive!"


    A screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Congratulations, host! You have slain another 2-star beast! With the essence, you have also earned 10 more points, which can be used when the system store opens!


    Would you like to continue fighting or admit defeat to leave the stage?")


    Skyler ran his fingers through his hair and let out a chuckle as read the text.


    "505, I thought that after all the time we have spent together, you would have come to know me better. Of course, continue!"


    Another 2-star beast materialized before him from the light pillar. This time, it was a massive ant covered in ice armor with two fiery antennae on its head.


    "Oh, a dual elementist beast. The star is same, but the difficulty has increased. Is it because I just got a bit stronger?"


    He muttered and dodged when the beast attacked him with its front limbs. Fireballs erupted from its antennae alongside ice cones, shooting out in his direction.


    "Fire and ice, what a combination..." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler chuckled. This time, he couldn''t run much since the ant''s body occupied a lot of space on the stage. So, he had to confront it head-on. He smirked because one thing was certain; he just needed to defeat it, and the essence would eliminate his fatigue.


    "It seems I won''t be going down this stage anytime soon. Or maybe I won''t be going down at all. Hahaha."


    He laughed wickedly, causing many in the crowd to grit their teeth and wish they could drag him out. Zack was one of them.

 Chapter 31: We found him!

    Chapter 31: We found him!In the outside world, inside a high-tech room, Johnson Ironhart sighed with relief. He was so overwhelmed that he couldn''t stand and had to sit down in a chair when he saw his son breathing and alive.


    On the many monitors filling the room, a familiar scene was playing out¡ªa small crowd gathered around three white stages beneath a pillar of light, where two elves and Skyler fought against the monsters.


    "He is fine... He is fine."


    He looked haggard, with dark circles under his gray eyes, having not slept a wink in the past few days. Just like him, all the Lights around him were in the same state.


    They had watched every broadcast of the preliminary test day and night in search of Skyler, even though many of them believed the kid had died in the monster wave.


    Finally, after so many days of hard work, they saw the kid again¡ªhealthy and fine. Many were in disbelief about how Skyler had not only survived but had even gotten stronger to battle monsters in just a few days. However, at that moment, they just wanted to get some sleep.


    One of the Lights asked hesitantly.


    "Boss... can we get a day off?"


    Johnson turned to look at him with dark eyes, effectively silencing the man.


    "Keep an eye on Skyler."


    With that, he stood up and called his wife. After Riya Ironhart woke up, she cried a lot. But then she composed herself, knowing they couldn''t lose hope.


    She and Emily had gone to Starlight Academy to request complete access to the live performances of all their students, as that academy was one of the few with which Johnson couldn''t communicate.


    ***


    Simultaneously, inside Starlight Academy, in one of the hall filled with computers and floating screens, many professors were observing their students'' performances.


    They were mostly focused on a few groups whose performances were generating a lot of hype online, particularly the one led by Max and his team. These groups were also at the top of their year in the academy.


    One of the professors, a tall woman with glasses perched on her nose, frowned. Her name was Miss Sinclair. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "We are seeing nearly all of our students, except for a few who were weak. But why is it that I cannot see Zack? Has he not utilized his live streaming drones?"


    Another professor, an older man exuding a haughty air, named Mr. Hawthorne, raised an eyebrow at her words.


    "That weakling? The one who always harassed a junior a year younger than him and never studied or trained seriously, only to get beaten up by Max? Who knows what happened to him? Maybe he''s already dead. I don''t understand why our academy accepts individuals with no shame."


    Beside him, a professor clad in an opulent outfit chuckled. He was called Mr. Noire.


    "It''s because he comes from a wealthy family. Even though he was kicked out of the house due to his antics, his father is one of the Dukes, currently serving as one of the six main leaders of the government, overseeing the continent."


    Miss Sinclair observed them with a composed expression; she was already accustomed to this. These two came from affluent families and only favored students with promising futures.


    "I believe the professors haven''t noticed Zack''s progress over the past few months. Perhaps he learned his lesson after being beaten up by another student. However, he has improved, and his strength is now on par with the top students in his class."


    Many began to chuckle at her disbelieving words. Suddenly, Riya and Emily walked into the hall, accompanied by the vice principal of the academy.


    All the professors in the hall instantly fell silent and greeted the elderly woman clad in silver robes. She was the vice principal and also the second strongest Light in the academy. Her name was Doris.


    The vice principal nodded at them and turned to the two women behind her.


    "This is the place where we observe the students who enter the preliminary test. You two have already received permission from the principal to use this hall, so I won''t say much. Just do what you need to do."


    Riya thanked the old woman, and Emily quickly moved to check the control system of all the screens in the hall.


    The professors glanced at each other, confused. Some of them turned to vice principal Doris, who explained with a sigh.


    "This is Mrs. Ironhart. Her 18-year-old son, who isn''t eligible to participate, has been teleported to the preliminary test. They are searching for him in the live broadcasts."


    The professors'' eyes widened. Yet, they weren''t overly surprised because, although it was very rare, it was not new for people to get dragged into the preliminary test, even if they were eligible. The cause was referred to as an error, and they didn''t know much about the reason behind it. However, since it rarely happens¡ªonly once or twice every few years¡ªno one paid much attention.


    Professor Sinclair and several other professors moved to help Emily. They asked Riya for a picture of Skyler and were surprised to see the familiar face that they had seen with Max and his team for a short while, only to meet a tragic end. However, they didn''t express their surprise. Since their eyesight was much sharper than that of ordinary people, they began searching for his face on the numerous screens.


    Suddenly, Mr. Hawthorne grimaced.


    "Skyler? Sky? What a weird name."


    His whisper was heard by everyone, but no one had time to care about his chatter.


    Riya stood right beside Emily, grateful to those who were helping them.


    Suddenly, her phone buzzed. It was her husband, so she answered the call.


    "Honey, I''m at the academy..."


    Her words were cut off, and her eyes turned red when Johnson gave her the good news.


    "Which broadcast... which one? I want to see my son!"


    Emily grabbed her phone and asked Johnson to send her the link to the live stream where Skyler appeared. In no time, all the screens in the hall displayed Skyler''s figure fighting on the white stage.


    Riya exhaled a relieved breath. Her heart, which had felt very heavy, finally settled down upon seeing her son was okay.


    Emily returned her phone with a sigh, relieved that the boy was fine.


    Riya placed the phone to her ear and whispered in a joyful voice.


    "Sky is fine! We found him!"


    Johnson chuckled softly.


    "I know. I am watching him."


    She raised her eyes and looked at the monitors displaying her son''s figure.


    Skyler wasn''t just fine; he was also performing remarkably well.


    Now, he just needs to stay safe until the end of the test and make it back home.

 Chapter 32: My son is impressive

    Chapter 32: My son is impressiveVice Principal Doris, who had settled down on an unoccupied armchair in the back, just like everyone else, saw Skyler fight since all the screens in the hall displayed only him.


    He lacked in many areas, as if he hadn''t been properly trained to fight others and was relying on instinct. He also didn''t use any skills or spells, but his movements were impressive. She turned to Riya.


    "Your son is 18, right? Did he not join any academy after awakening his affinity and potential? Why? If he had, he would have gained valuable experience to get through the preliminary test." S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The murmurs in the hall, which had begun as the professors watched Skyler, quieted when they heard Vice Principal''s voice.


    They exchanged surprised glances and turned to look at Ms. Doris. It was very rare for her to show interest in anyone, with the last exception being student Max during the academy entrance test four years ago.


    Nevertheless, they could see why the vice principal was curious about Skyler.


    That kid was weak, and it was evident from simply watching him fight that he was likely at the peak of 1-star. Nothing more.


    His strength was comparable to that of first-year academy students¡ª16-year-old newly awakened who had formed their first elemental crystals and learned basic spells.


    However, Skyler excelled in combat, unlike the inexperienced first-year students who lacked the confidence to face beasts.


    It was as if he was born to fight and become a formidable Light.


    The innate ability or instinct to battle was far more powerful than that of those who merely learned. Skyler was a rare talent.


    Riya sighed as she gazed at the vice principal, but she did not lie.


    She would never do that. No matter if her son was strong or weak, he was her son, and she would never feel ashamed.


    "His potential wasn''t very high, so instead of an academy, he entered a good college. We never thought this would happen."


    Vice Principal Doris nodded.


    "What is his potential?"


    "1-star."


    Silence enveloped the hall, with many eyes staring at Riya in disbelief. Even Doris was taken aback. It was not unusual to awaken with low potential, and seventy-five percent of ordinary citizens fall into this group. But that kid, battling 2-star beasts as if they were nothing, had only 1-star potential?


    How was that possible? 1-star potential is the lowest in the overall 25-star system set on their whole planet! Even normal citizens awaken potential higher than this!


    However, those who lack strength and never progress beyond 1 or 2-star, even if they have awakened a higher potential, are unable to fight even the weakest beasts.


    They lack the knowledge to harness their elemental powers or any battle experience. Without guidance or resources to develop their skills, they settle for a mundane life.


    In contrast, Skyler could take on monsters stronger than himself. Also, they could see he had already reached the peak of 1-star.


    Did that mean he had already reached the limits of his potential as a Light?


    If so, it was truly a pity.


    After all, even though his innate ability to battle was powerful, it meant nothing if he lacked the strength to support it.


    While everyone was silent, Mr. Hawthorne suddenly let out a loud chuckle.


    "Wait... I just recalled seeing a video about a young person awakening 1-star potential not long ago. So, it really is true!"


    Mr. Noire chuckled along with him, but they shut their mouths when several people shot solemn looks at them for their inability to stop murmuring disparaging remarks.


    Professor Sinclair glanced at Riya.


    "Did Skyler train his body? If he can only achieve 1-star strength, it indicates that his physical strength has not improved due to absorbing Evol, suggesting he has trained his body without its influence."


    Riya nodded. Her son had always gone to train and exercise in his father''s guild. She wasn''t sure about his progress, but he had always been diligent in his daily workouts.


    Professor Sinclair smiled.


    "That''s impressive in its own right, gaining strength without Evol in his body. Physical training has its limits since one''s potential can''t be surpassed. However, you could find treasures to boost his potential. I''m sure he can become a strong Novice-tier Light."


    Riya glanced at the female professors. She wasn''t as bad a teacher as some others.


    "I will. He will become a strong light."


    Vice Principal Doris overheard the two, but she had already lost interest in Skyler.


    What a shame, she thought.


    That kid had a bright future in martial arts, but his limitations would keep him at 1-star. Even if he found treasures, they could only be effective to a certain extent.


    Moreover, treasures that enhance potential are very rare, and whenever they do surface in the market, everyone competes for them, driving their prices to astronomical levels.


    Doris was about to leave when suddenly something unexpected occurred.


    The kid they all believed only had 1-star potential suddenly broke through to 2-star.


    With a boom, a powerful wave of aura emanated from him as golden Evol surged into his body, and he closed his eyes with a smirk. The breakthrough was evident even to those watching him on screens.


    The crowd surrounding Skyler began to curse and shout at him to come down from the stage now that he had broken through if he didn''t want to face their wrath later.


    They could have been the ones to acquire the essence from killing the monsters and achieve a breakthrough, but that weakling had to claim all the benefits!


    But how could Skyler come down when he had just begun to experience the thrill that accompanied his growing strength?


    He laughed wickedly and flashed them a sweet smile with a twinkle in his eyes.


    "Never."


    Even though Riya, Vice Principal Doris, and the professors in the hall couldn''t hear him because the broadcast failed to capture his voice clearly, they read his lips.


    All eyes turned to Riya, reflecting the same question: Did she lie about his potential?


    However, seeing her shocked expression, it was clear that she too had no idea how her son had surpassed his limits. Even Emily''s eyes were wide as she turned to Riya.


    "This...?"


    Riya hummed, a smile lighting her face.


    "I can''t believe he found something to enhance his potential in such a short time, in that perilous place. My son is impressive¡ªnothing less than the others."


    So, he found a treasure? That seemed plausible given where he is currently. The professors accepted her words.


    Vice Principal Doris thought for a moment. Even though she had already lost interest in Skyler, her instincts told her not to dismiss him. Out of the blue, she said something that dumbfounded everyone.


    "How about you send Skyler to join Starlight Academy if he passes the preliminary test?"


    She folded her hands behind her back. It was uncertain if Skyler would even survive. So, she would trust her instincts if he not only survived but also passed the test.


    "Our academy is the number one in the entire human continent, and I will give your son a special pass to study here without having to take any tests."


    As the surprise wore off, Riya chuckled.


    She knew the entrance tests for all the academies this year were already closed.


    Skyler would need proper training and knowledge if he passed the preliminary test and decided to enter the first level of Battle Royale in the future. Knowing her son, she was certain he would surely enter the Battle Royale again if he got the chance. But...


    "It''s not up to me. The decision to join Starlight Academy lies with Skyler."


    Vice principal Doris nodded.


    "The offer is always standing."


    Riya let out a wry smile.


    "Actually, one of my children is already studying here. The only thing she picked up is bad behavior. So, if it were up to me, I wouldn''t let Sky join this place."


    Hearing this, many eyes turned to her. One of her children is studying here? Who?


    As if sensing the question directed at her, Riya''s expression hardened.


    "It''s Jenny. Jenny Ironhart. The academy invited her to join four years ago. It''s a pity that even though technology has advanced, we still can''t talk with those inside the test. That''s why I''m waiting for her to come out."


    Once again, silence enveloped the hall. Vice Principal Doris and all the professors knew Jenny; she was in Max''s group.


    They had also witnessed what happened when the monster wave passed, so no one commented. This was a family matter.

 Chapter 33: Battle stages III

    Chapter 33: Battle stages IIIStanding atop the white stage, Skyler chuckled menacingly. The two 5-star elves who had climbed the other stages with him had long since been defeated by monsters and had jumped down from the stages before they could be gravely wounded.


    Yet, he didn''t.


    Sweat glistened down his jawline as he savored the moment. A breakthrough. The feeling was addictive! The curses and angry shouts of those around him faded into the background as he ignored the crowd.


    "505, show me my status."


    The system, which was even more excited than he was, didn''t waste any time, and a gray screen flashed before his blue eyes.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 2-star (Initial stage)


    2) Darkness: 0-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: (Locked)


    4) ???


    Overall Strength: 2-star Novice (Initial stage)


    Potential: 5-star Novice


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells:


    1) Physical Augmentation: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. The host has learned to manipulate the Evol within his elemental crystal to enhance his agility and the power of his physical attacks.


    _______


    Skyler twirled the cracked dagger between his fingers, a surge of excitement coursing through him as he examined his status.


    He knew... deep down in his heart, he had been somewhat skeptical about the idea of the ''Special Spirit Constitution'' and the fact that his potential would continue to grow.


    And why wouldn''t he feel doubtful after spending two years of his life branded as a waste with no future as a Light? Yet, that lingering doubt vanished completely the instant he broke through to 2-star! He truly has a unique body structure, which had been the reason for his low potential!


    Spotting his first skill added to his status, his joy doubled. If he remembered correctly, like potential, skills and spells in Eldoria are categorized into five tiers: Novice, Adept, Epic, Legendary, and Mythic.


    Novice is the weakest, while Mythic is the rarest and most powerful. It was said that only Lights who had cleared the Mythic tier crystals leading to other dimensions and ascended beyond the 40th floor of Battle Royale possessed Mythic tier skills.


    One can also purchase all kinds of skills and spells from their system shop in Battle Royale using points, but it is expensive, and the shop is something he can''t access yet.


    Still, to think he had acquired his first skill.


    "Hehe, what a great harvest!"


    He paused and turned to the system.


    "Wait... I learned to manipulate the Evol in my body much earlier. 505, why didn''t you add this skill to my status before?"


    ("Because the host''s manipulation and knowledge at that time were crude. The act was only recognized as a skill once you had performed it accurately many times.")


    Skyler nodded and a familiar notification flashed before him, asking if he wanted to continue fighting beasts or admit defeat.


    Of course, he said yes!


    Why would he go down?


    To get beaten up? Nope, no thank you!


    He would spend days on this stage! All he needed to do was kill the monsters, and the essence would handle his hunger, thirst, fatigue, and also boost his strength!


    Skyler''s smile finally fell as his next opponent materialized in front of him. It was a 3-star Lizard with spiraled horns and a massive, scaly body. Three orbs floated in the center of its horns¡ªone made of fire, one of lightning, and one of darkness.


    "505, don''t you think the difficulty just shot up too much all of a sudden? I just fucking reached 2-star!?"


    He shouted, but the system had vanished as usual. Suddenly, the lizard narrowed its eyes and swung its long tail.


    "Shit."


    Skyler rolled in another direction, scrambling to evade the tail. That attack, which shook the air, wasn''t enough for the lizard because, in the next second, a rain of thunderbolts began pouring down on the stage, trying to turn him into charcoal!


    As he ran across the stage, evading the thunderbolts, a fireball struck him in the back, causing him to grimace. A familiar voice called out from down the stage.


    "How about you come down now?"


    Austin asked him with a smirk. His team was relieved to see Sky alive and fine, but the kid was beginning to get on his nerves. It had been more than half a day since he arrived here with the others, yet this youth showed no inclination to leave the stage.


    The night had faded, and the morning sun was shining. Just how long did he plan to stay up there and hoard all the essence?


    Getting stronger was something everyone desired, so he wanted Skyler to come down now that he had broken through to 2-star.


    Max had already taken one of the other two stages when the elf above rushed down. As the strongest on their team, he easily dealt with those who tried to obstruct him.


    Jenny had claimed the other stage, and Austin wanted to climb up Sky''s stage. His smirk faltered when Sky treated him like he was invisible, not even sparing a glance.


    "You... Let''s see just how long you can stay up there! If you think my team will protect you now that you''re making enemies with so many people here, then dream on!"


    He huffed and retreated to sit with Elena, who was absorbing Evol beneath a nearby tree. She shook her head and ignored him. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Like Austin, everyone around him was also seething and completely ready to pounce on Skyler the moment he came down.


    However, the person who was most frustrated was Zack. He didn''t show his face and was pacing behind the row of trees, with Mila and Oreon seated by his side, but he was watching everything.


    If it were possible, his glares would have already put a few holes in Skyler''s body!


    "Hold on, what if Skyler occupying one of the stages meant for the protagonist and his team creates a butterfly effect? If the story shifts, I could lose my advantage!"


    #Keeper of Time: And whose fault is that?

 Chapter 34: Battle stages IV

    Chapter 34: Battle stages IVZack waved his hand to dismiss the screen, his jaw clenched. He knew it was his fault, but he would never admit it.


    "It''s not that big of a deal. Plus, he won''t be up there for long. The essence is managing his fatigue, but his body can''t cope with a lack of sleep or rest for too long."


    He calmed down with his reasoning. One couldn''t even describe his joy when he saw Skyler''s dagger shatter into pieces as he tried to pierce the lizard skin with it. Not just him, but many in the crowd stood up, cracking their knuckles with eerie smiles.


    Murmurs filled the air.


    "Aha, guys, he has no choice but to come down now! No way he can take on a 3-star lizard that can manipulate three elements without a weapon, especially since we all saw he has no skills or spells!"


    "Come on, little brother, just come down! We promise we won''t hurt you!"


    "Yeah, we''re good senior brothers and sisters. Just come down!"


    Mila and Oreon stood and assessed the situation. Many individuals from different races surrounded Skyler''s stage, and it was clear their intentions weren''t pure. They looked at Zack, and Mila whispered.


    "Should we help him?"


    Zack stopped them, pressing his lips together to suppress a smirk. He was itching to see Skyler take a few hits.


    "He brought this on himself. If we interfere, the crowd will get even more volatile with so many backing him. We can''t take on that many people. Let him take a small beating, then we can pull him away and give him some healing water. That''s all we can do."


    Mila and Oreon glanced at each other. They felt guilty for not helping Skyler, even if they only knew him briefly, but Zack was right.


    Over twenty individuals surrounded Skyler''s stage, and they couldn''t take on that many.


    Austin stood up and maneuvered through the crowd to get closer to the stage.


    This time, Elena followed him.


    The crowd watched as Skyler was hurled away by the lizard''s tail; however, he wasn''t thrown off the stage. Instead, he crashed into the transparent shield surrounding it, as according to the rules, he could only leave the stage if he admitted defeat.


    Skyler spat out blood from the impact. His vision spun slightly, but he used his Evol to heal whatever injuries he could and sprang to his feet to evade another attack. Austin''s familiar voice came from the side.


    "Don''t be stubborn. Come down. You can''t fight any longer. I''ll give you something that can heal your injuries and ensure that no one in the crowd touches you."


    His declaration angered many, but their eyes remained fixed on the stage, as their top priority was to climb it! The rest could deal with the human! If they couldn''t climb, they wouldn''t get another chance easily.


    Skyler finally regarded Austin with a smile, but his blue eyes were cold as he dodged another thunderbolt aimed at him. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you are so generous... why not toss your javelin onto the stage for me to use so I can fight and survive a little longer?"


    Austin scoffed and rolled his eyes. Why would he do that? He wanted to climb the stage Sky occupied like everyone else. Not just him¡ªElena wanted to fight for it too! What was wrong with Sky? Couldn''t he see his condition? Why was he so stubborn?


    "I''m not going to. Just come down. Give everyone else a chance to use the stage as well. We can take turns, and you can climb a stage again when you''re healed."


    Skyler chuckled at his words.


    "What a nice joke. Like I would believe you. If I hadn''t climbed this stage earlier with my strength, I know I could have never!"


    They were all the same. If one of them would just hand him his weapon, he could keep fighting for a while longer.


    But none did. He hadn''t even been on this stage for a whole day, and they were eager to hack him into pieces. They made it seem like he was robbing their opportunity when this opportunity was clearly meant to be first-come, first-served for everyone!


    Still... would he have acted like them if he were in their shoes? No, he knew he would have done even worse!


    "Haha..."


    Seeing him laugh, everyone around him frowned. Had he gone crazy? But if those who played online games with Skyler in the past heard this laugh, they would have run away without a second thought.


    It was an eerily familiar laugh that always echoed before his teammates ''accidentally died'' in the games he played.


    Suddenly, Skyler enveloped his fist with the remaining Evol in his elemental crystal and rushed toward the lizard before him.


    He took a direct hit from a ball made of darkness element to his shoulder, but that gave him the opening to punch the lizard.


    The monster cried out loudly, but another punch landed on its scaly body.


    Skyler was flung back again, but he wiped the blood off his face, a smile in his eyes, and charged once more. His determination successfully silenced the crowd around him as they watched him solemnly.


    "Does he have a screw loose?"


    Zack muttered, rubbing his head.

 Chapter 35: Battle stages V

    Chapter 35: Battle stages VUnder the pillar of light, Jenny and Max, who were also fighting monsters on the other two stages next to Skyler''s stage, looked at him with clear concern.


    However, there was also a hint of frustration on their faces.


    Jenny pursed her lips, shocked to see Skyler break through. She wanted to talk to him and understand how he had surpassed his limits. But the pressing issue right now was that the longer he stayed on the stage, the more he was putting his life in danger.


    With so many individuals, as a 2-star, he wouldn''t be able to fight back. It was clear she had to go down and help him, and she would. She had already made a big mistake; she couldn''t afford to make another one!


    Just what kind of older sister would do what she did? She has to make amends.


    Max was just as surprised as she was. Knowing Skyler''s potential, he couldn''t help but wonder if, after separating from them, the young man had discovered a treasure while escaping the monster wave.


    Skyler''s injuries were also healed, so it was evident that he had found something good that helped him create his first elemental crystal and enhance his potential.


    "Still, it''s good that he''s fine. Jenny would have never been able to forgive herself. But he should get off the stage. He has already been seriously injured."


    He would extend an apology on behalf of the whole team and invite Skyler to rejoin their group, and this time, he would ensure that no harm came to him.


    Max sighed and struck the 7-star winged fire and wind crocodile monster before him with his blade. Earth walls rose in front of the creature to absorb its attacks.


    He was at the initial stage of 6-star and could barely keep up with the monster. To make it even more difficult, he had to keep an eye on Skyler so he could leave the stage to help him when he went down.


    If only Skyler could hear them, he would have laughed. Who asked for their help? He never! If they wanted to help, why didn''t they just give him a weapon?!


    Skyler''s breathing was erratic. He gasped as another injury piled onto his body.


    His elemental crystal was empty, so he couldn''t even use Evol anymore.


    505 flashed a warning screen in front of him, more anxious than he was.


    ("Host, you are gravely injured! You need treatment! It''s best to leave the stage!")


    He shut his eyes for a moment.


    "I don''t want to..."


    He was being stubborn, and he knew it. But there was no way he was leaving the stage just because others wanted him to!


    Due to his injuries, his speed slowed down, and another thunderbolt struck him. Blood trickled down his shoulder, and a wry smile lit up his lips as he glanced at the lizard.


    He had inflicted significant damage on its whole body with his fists, but that still was not enough to take it down.


    The laughter and taunts of all the people surrounding his stage echoed in his mind like an incessant buzz. Many were even saying he deserved to go through this.


    He hated it.


    He despised feeling so weak.


    Why couldn''t he even defeat one of the weakest beasts? A mere 3-star beast?


    Why did they have to mock him just because he was weaker? All this was very similar to the day he awakened.


    The curt remarks, the snickers, the comments about how pitiful he was¡ªthey were all things he had already endured.


    He always claimed he was fine with being an ordinary person whenever his parents asked him. But the truth was, he wasn''t.


    He wanted to become a powerful Light! In this world where the strong rule, he wanted to be one of them! Why would he want to remain at the bottom of society?


    His emotions were spiraling, and the fact that he knew he had no choice but to go down the stage did nothing to help.


    Skyler staggered back from the lizard, and everyone thought he would finally leave the stage; he wanted to do the same.


    No one noticed when both of his eyes glowed black. The dark hue was creeping into the crystal-like blue hue, but before it could manifest with a whistle, a gray spear, with sparks of lightning crawling along its body, landed just inches away from him.


    Skyler blinked as he stared at the weapon. Silence enveloped the scene, and then the crowd erupted into curses, shouting which idiot threw the spear onto the stage.


    Zack also cursed under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the point where he felt like pulling his hair out.


    While everyone looked around to find the bastard who threw the spear onto the stage and bury him underground, Skyler hurriedly moved forward and grabbed the spear.


    The lightning crackling on its surface did nothing to harm him, and with deftness, he attacked the lizard with all his strength. The monster cried out and tried to retaliate, but he took out the spear and stabbed its body multiple times in quick succession.


    He only stopped when the lizard''s body disintegrated into essence that flowed into his body. Breathing heavily, he dropped to his knees, using the spear he had stabbed into the ground for support.


    As the essence healed his injuries, alleviated his fatigue, and enhanced his strength, his eyes darted through the crowd to identify who had thrown him the spear.


    "Who was it...?"


    He muttered, scanning the surroundings, but even the crowd around his stage was unable to identify the person.


    Austin''s frustrated voice echoed.


    "Who was it? Show yourself! Why the hell did you throw him a spear? Damn it!" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack also rolled up his sleeves, ready to strangle the person who threw the spear.


    He was even willing to come out of his hiding spot just to do that! Unfortunately, when the spear was thrown, everyone was focused on Skyler, so no one was able to see which direction it came from.


    While everyone in the crowd was busy accusing one another, Skyler''s eyes met a figure standing among the trees.


    A pair of crimson eyes, resembling red rubies, stared back at him, and his heart skipped a beat before quickening its pace. The first word that came to his mind was beautiful. So beautiful.


    A flawless, snow-white face imbued with a hint of icy coldness in her features and soft pink lips. Long, flowing white hair cascaded down her shoulders, and a pair of iridescent wings shimmered gracefully behind her.


    Skyler wanted to shout a thank you because, seeing the sparks of lightning around her hands, he was convinced she was the one who had thrown the spear. But the moment she met his gaze, she jolted and hurriedly walked away.

 Chapter 36: First encounter I

    Chapter 36: First encounter I"Why did you do that, princess?"


    Standing amidst the trees, a man with an air of arrogance questioned the young lady before him. Like him, everyone around was equally perplexed as to why their princess, who never engaged with others¡ªlet alone people of different races¡ªhad suddenly chosen to assist a short human.


    She pursed her lips into thin lines.


    Honestly, she had no idea why she acted the way she did. The moment she laid eyes on him, her heart, which was unfeeling like a cold stone even toward her own mother, skipped a beat and began to race.


    She felt as if she had encountered someone she desperately wanted to meet, yet she had no idea why she felt that way since she didn''t even know him.


    Her heart was still racing, and the tips of her ears and neck were completely red from just making eye contact with him once. She was so surprised that she turned and left.


    "I think..."


    She swallowed her next words. The sole reason she had been waiting to turn 20 and enter the preliminary test was to search for the scattered fragments of her broken soul. She had even fought with the Spirit Queen, her mother, who had ordered her not to, as she had already sent countless people to look for the fragments of her soul.


    But now she had done something that could never be undone.


    ''I marked him as my mate.''


    She was only half spirit, but she was still part of the spirit race, and no spirits ever used the term ''mate'' lightly. A mate was a lifelong partner, and because the hearts of spirits who possessed physical forms were made of white heavenly fire, they could only have one such partner in their lifetime.


    Once their instincts marked someone as their mate, they could never feel the same way for another. It was a lifelong bond.


    This is why spirits usually remained single for countless years, and many never even entered into relationships. Yet, her instincts had gone ahead and marked someone she didn''t even know as her mate.


    She took a deep breath to steady her heart. She couldn''t, for heaven''s sake, admit that she had marked a human as her sole mate, especially not in front of her own people. If her mother found out, she would kill him.


    The usual coldness returned to her face, masking the flustered look she had as she regarded the winged people around her.


    "Let''s leave. You all followed me of your own accord when I never asked because you wanted to help me find the scattered fragments. We shouldn''t waste time."


    Everyone around looked at each other, their iridescent wings fluttering in confusion. But they didn''t say anything. As they moved, the man who had spoken earlier paused.


    "What about the spear? It wasn''t an ordinary weapon. Is it acceptable for the princess to just give it away?"


    "It''s just a spear. I can get a better one anytime in the spirit realm."


    She didn''t stop, but her crimson eyes, sparkling like rubies, glanced back one last time toward the place where the human who stirred her heart was present.


    ''I hope we don''t meet again. I don''t want the first person who made me feel something to die because of me.''


    ''Stay safe... my mate who may not even know that I exist in this life.''


    But she knew, deep down in her heart, that she still hoped they would meet again in the higher levels of Battle Royale.


    What she didn''t know was that as one of the largest fragments of her soul, she was one of the few fragments who had such remarkable self-restraint.


    Perhaps it was because spirits could only have one mate in their lifetime; they were inherently extremely possessive.


    The other fragments of her soul could feel her emotions, albeit faintly, and who knows what they would do once they met him.


    ***


    Atop the battle stage, Skyler rose to his feet. He retrieved the spear he had nailed to the stage. Tiny sparks of lightning crawled across its surface before fading.


    It was clear the one who threw it poured their Evol into it for him to use it effectively. He couldn''t tell its tier, but he knew just by looking at it that it was not a weapon that an ordinary person could possess.


    Just like many other things, weapons in Eldoria were categorized into five distinct tiers: Novice, Adept, Epic, Legendary, and lastly Mythic, with Novice as the weakest and Mythic as the strongest.


    However, unlike other items, each tier of weapon is further divided by crafters into three categories according to their quality and endurance: ordinary, exceptional, and unique, with ordinary being the weakest a tier can have and unique the strongest.


    Normally, Novice tier weapons cannot absorb Evol, but higher tier weapons can. These weapons are often embedded with tiny elemental stones or infused with Evol, which enhances the user''s attack power.


    The dagger Mila gave Skyler was a Novice tier weapon, but the category of its quality was unique. He could easily tell that. But the spear in his hand felt very powerful to him, and he couldn''t identify its tier at all, even though it was right there with him.


    Skyler placed his other hand on his heart and stared blankly into thin air.


    The crowd surrounding his stage gritted their teeth, but they had no choice but to retreat for the time being and sit down.


    They were certain that now that he had a powerful spear, he wouldn''t come down at all. Perhaps this bastard would even camp up there for the duration of the test.


    Austin kicked the ground.


    "What a terrible day! Just let me find out which jerk threw the spear... I''m going to set him straight myself!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zack shared his sentiments.


    On the stage, a familiar system screen flashed in front of Skyler''s eyes.


    ("Congratulations, host! You have slain your first 3-star monster! With the essence, you have earned 15 more points, which can be used when the system store opens!


    Would you like to continue fighting or admit defeat to leave the stage?")


    Skyler blinked, and his answer left the system completely speechless.


    "505, I believe I just developed my first crush."

 Chapter 37: First encounter II

    Chapter 37: First encounter IIAnother screen flashed before Skyler.


    ("Would you like to continue fighting or admit defeat to leave the stage?")


    What happened in the next second was something no one expected, not even the system, which was celebrating that its host had grown stronger and had a little bit more chance of passing the preliminary test.


    With the weapon, he can just continue to fight on the stage for a long time!


    Skyler jumped off the stage. He channeled all the Evol he had just recovered thanks to the essence into his legs to enhance his speed before vanishing into the trees.


    The crowd was dumbfounded, and by the time everyone comprehended what had just happened, he had already disappeared.


    Then, a massive fight erupted in the area for the stage. Ultimately, Elena climbed the stage thanks to her quick reaction.


    Zack stared at the cluster of tall maple trees where Skyler''s figure had just faded away, unsure of what to feel anymore.


    "He left... just like that?"


    He muttered, glancing at the three stages occupied by the protagonist and two of his teammates before scratching his head.


    "Just hoping that Skyler''s presence won''t interfere with the storyline any further."


    #Keeper of Time: He is an additional variable you introduced in the real timeline. Would you like me to monitor him to ensure everything stays on track?


    Zack shook his head.


    "No, his potential is only 5 stars. You''ve already expended a lot of energy on him, so don''t waste any more. As long as he doesn''t interfere with Max and his team during the preliminary test, I''m sure his presence will vanish from the story on its own. He''s just a side character anyway..."


    He paused at the end. Zack knew he had changed a lot since arriving here. He was viewing everyone around him as fictional characters, even though they were real. He couldn''t help but wonder: was another life always so insignificant to him?


    "Just remind me when he turns 20... As compensation for what we did to him, I will save his life when he is supposed to die."


    The Keeper of Time remained silent.


    There was no clear reason why he had chosen Zack to stop Max from reversing time again to save his world.


    This man just happened to be in the wrong place at the right time and discovered the book ''Fate of Eldoria'' before anyone else.


    However, he wasn''t a wrong choice.


    Zack was cold, yet from the brief time the Keeper of Time had observed him, he could see that he wasn''t a bad person.


    He exaggerated his fake emotions and concealed the real ones. But it was only because he had gone through so much in his first life. Betrayal was the most painful experience one could face, and Zack had suffered just that at the hands of none other than the only person he loved. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So, the Keeper of Time wondered what impact his presence would have on this world. He was tasked with stopping Max from reversing time again; that was it. The rest was up to him.


    Would he allow the world to crumble as it was destined to before Max interfered? Or would Zack try to save it after forming an attachment to it? The Keeper of Time could no longer see the future, leaving even him uncertain about what lay ahead.


    Regardless, they didn''t see Skyler again throughout the remaining duration of the preliminary test. Even Max and his team were unable to locate him again during the rest of the days they spent in the test.


    It was as if the youth had vanished.


    ***


    On the other hand, after leaving the battle stage, Skyler ran amid the trees, breathing heavily. He was going in the same direction the red-eyed beauty had taken. He ran and ran but couldn''t find her again.


    "505, help me track down the owner of the spear! I want to thank her and, if possible, get her number. That way, I can find her again if we are from the same planet!"


    As usual, the system, which had no such authority, quickly went missing in action.


    Skyler stopped in his tracks after a while and wiped his sweaty forehead.


    "Does she not want her weapon back?"


    "Why did she leave so abruptly?"


    He stared at the spear in his hand and sighed dejectedly. He didn''t even know if the beauty was from his planet because he had never seen a race with such stunning pair of wings... Could it be that he would never meet her again? Was his first crush going to disappear just like that?


    "What a beautiful yet terrible... No, it was just a beautiful encounter."


    He changed his words at the end when he recalled her face. He would remember this encounter in his life as beautiful.


    In matters of the heart, Skyler was a straightforward person, just like his father. If he liked someone, he liked them and he would never hesitate to show his feelings.


    He smiled and pulled the hood of his hoodie over his head before sitting down to rest for a while with the spear in his arms.


    For some reason, Skyler was certain they would meet again in the future. So, he would patiently wait for that time.


    "505, show me the progress of the mission. Now, I have one more big reason not to fail. I should also increase my stash of gems."


    The system happily displayed his current progress. After all, that was its job.


    ("Kill monsters: 300/32


    Time remaining: 24 days.


    Host, you are still far behind!")


    Skyler changed into a new outfit: a dark grey shirt and dark trousers. The previous ones had been torn in battle. Now, he had to be careful with his clothes.


    "Don''t worry, I''m going to work extra hard. Let''s clear this test together. But before that, I need to find a hidden place to sleep a bit. Otherwise, I won''t be able to function well."


    505 cheered inwardly. Its host was getting serious again! Even if it was because of a girl after gems, it was still an improvement!

 Chapter 38: End of preliminary test I

    Chapter 38: End of preliminary test IOn the final day of the preliminary test, Skyler stood on a high rocky ledge above a waterfall, wearing a straw hat made of dry grass that he had crafted for himself. His trousers and shirt were worn out, but they were clean since he had washed the few pairs he owned in the water many times.


    Surrounding the waterfall, the grass and trees were tall enough to conceal the area. This secluded spot was also the perfect place where he had camped. Why?


    Because there was a cave below the ledge, serving as a good resting place. The fish in the waterfall were mostly ordinary species, making them suitable for consumption.


    He learned to light a fire in the cave so he wouldn''t die from hunger. Of course, it took him a day to create his first fire by gathering wood and scraping rocks together. To make matters worse, due to the lack of spices, the fish and other parts of the beasts he cooked tasted bland and unappealing.


    However, at least he was quite good at roasting them, so he survived.


    Moreover, sometimes group of monsters came to this area to drink water, and if he was nearby, he could easily defeat them.


    Skyler narrowed his eyes, scanning every direction. He spotted a group of elves, but they departed in another direction.


    "505, are the fire foxes nearby?"


    ("Yes, host! They will be here in a minute! You can take them down easily!")


    Skyler chuckled when he saw an excited face created from numbers at the end of the words on the screen. He could tell 505 was very happy now that he just needed one more kill to complete his mission.


    It had also started to engage in conversation with him more frequently, even though it wasn''t permitted to do so unless necessary. The system wasn''t the one who initiated this. It was simply that whenever Skyler became bored, he always chatted with it as if it were a fellow friend. Now, it had simply become accustomed to responding to him whenever he spoke.


    505 didn''t break any rules and would still disappear when Skyler asked it questions beyond its authority or those the systems couldn''t answer due to the rules.


    However, its frequent responses to him showed a big improvement from before.


    Remarks like ''You should be faster'', ''Be careful'', ''You''re dumb'', ''You are the best'', ''You can do it!'', ''Look back'', ''Host, are you crazy?'' and ''Host, can I check your race?'' became frequent, which greatly assisted Skyler since the system was highlighting his mistakes while he battled monsters.


    Skyler grabbed a familiar gray spear from his storage ring and quickly jumped down the ledge the instant he saw the fire foxes approaching the waterfall. There were two 3-star and two 2-star foxes. He could easily take them down with his current strength.


    A light enveloped his legs as he landed on the ground without any injuries and swiftly concealed his presence in the tall grass. As the foxes, each roughly his size, gathered at the edge of the waterfall to drink, he seized the moment and launched an attack on the strongest among them from behind.


    Golden Evol surged from his elemental crystal and entered the spear in his hand, causing sparks of light to envelop it as he leaped from behind and drove the tip into the shoulder of one of the 3-star foxes.


    The monster let out an agonizing cry that startled the other three beasts, as well as the humans and individuals of other races in the immediate vicinity.


    But Skyler wasn''t finished; he clenched his fingers into a fist and punched the injured beast away to retrieve his weapon.


    With all his strength, he hurled the spear toward one of the escaping 2-star beasts. The spear pierced its heart from behind in a swift motion, and the light element within it erupted, causing even greater damage.


    "One down, three more to go!"


    Skyler chuckled, and 505 cheered him on internally. The system didn''t immediately display the screen that indicated its host had completed his 300 kill count to avoid distracting him from the battle.


    Skyler turned back and swiftly finished off the injured fox before it could attack him by gathering Evol and snapping its neck.


    Then he raised his hand, and instantly, the spear containing his Evol flew back to him. He had learned this trick a few weeks ago: as long as his Evol was in another object''s body, he could move it at will. Although he couldn''t use this on heavy objects, it was still a very convenient trick. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He confronted the other 3-star fox. A torrent of flames erupted from its crimson body, but he swiftly dodged to the side and struck the last 2-star fox with the spear. It cried out in pain and tried to flee, but Skyler seized its lower body and, with a clenched jaw and all his strength, threw it toward the 3-star fox unleashing flames, which killed it with a slash of its razor-sharp claws.


    Breathing heavily, he called back the spear. A chuckle escaped his lips when he saw the monster eliminate one of its own.


    "505, that counts as my kill, right?"


    An answer came immediately.


    ("Absolutely, host!")


    "Good."


    He spun the spear in his hand in a circular motion as the 3-star beast growled in anger, unleashing multiple fire arrows toward him.


    A gust of wind was created thanks to the spinning spear that sent debris in the area flying toward the fox. As Skyler channeled his Evol into the spear''s body, a light field formed around the area of its rotation.


    Even though the fire attacks pushed him back, they were absorbed by the field. The monster shut its eyes momentarily due to the flying debris, and that was enough for Skyler to plunge the spear into its body.

 Chapter 39: End of preliminary test II

    Chapter 39: End of preliminary test IIAs Skyler stood above the lifeless creature, panting, a screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Amazing host! 505 is always astonished by how you can fight so effectively without any real skills or spells!")


    Skyler ran his hand through his hair with a sheepish expression. Of course, he liked it when the system praised him.


    "It''s no big deal. Regardless, why are you praising me so much lately, 505? What if I become too used to this praise and end up being a bit high maintenance?"


    However, his smile turned blank when he saw the system''s next words.


    ("Host, 505 is demonstrating remarkable consideration for you! Now, 505 is sure you are convinced that 505 is the best system available in the Battle Royal, right?")


    So... this was the reason. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler thought to himself.


    Now he understood why the system that had called him crazy and an idiot over 99 times was praising him so much.


    A few days ago, as usual, he was feeling bored at night, so he shared an imaginary story with 505 about how there was once a system that treated its host better than the other systems and ultimately became the strongest system in the entire Battle Royal, earning the title of ''best'' from its host. He hoped to draw it into his bullshit and make it more helpful than a typical system.


    Now, it seems his nonsense was actually kind of working. Skyler never knew he had such a talent for corrupting the system.


    Skyler mentally patted himself on the back, and his lips curved into a smirk, completely unaware that his subtle manipulation would prompt 505 to do a lot for him in the future, even evolving into a rule-breaking system capable of stealing secret information for him, all in pursuit of the title of the best.


    "Not yet. The best system doesn''t disappear when its host asks questions. You still have a lot to learn, 505."


    The system was excited.


    ("I will! The other systems said 505 needs maintenance when I told them the story. But 505 is going to be the best system!")


    Skyler blinked. Other systems? Can 505 communicate with the other systems? He quickly spoke up before his entire month of hard work and nonsense went to waste.


    "505, don''t reveal our conversations with the other systems. They are all mindless. You are the only one with a brain. So, it''s best not to share our secrets with them."


    505 was suspicious, but it agreed. It didn''t want to undergo maintenance either. It was a process where all the data of the system was wiped out, and they were reset.


    Skyler cleaned the spear in the waterfall. It had been with him for a month, yet there wasn''t a single scratch on its surface.


    "Truly a powerful weapon... It''s unfortunate I wasn''t able to meet the owner again. Not even once, even though I roamed around a lot to gather more elemental stones."


    "Alright, 505, show me my status and also the status of the mission."


    The moment he said this, a congratulatory message flashed before him.


    There were no balloons or ribbons, but 505''s enthusiasm made up for it.


    ("Congratulations, host! You have successfully completed the mission required to pass the preliminary test of Battle Royale and have become eligible to fight in the real Battle Royale and climb its levels alongside your one and only 505!


    Kill monsters: 300/300


    Time remaining: One hour


    Please stay alive until the end of the time limit, and you will be teleported to the land for winners alongside the other victors!")


    Skyler noted everything, and after storing the spear in his storage ring, he washed his hands and face in the waterfall to remove the blood from his skin. Different types of monsters had different-colored blood, and sometimes it was difficult to wash off.


    Previously, he had to dispose of the dead bodies of the monsters he killed near this area so they wouldn''t impact the space in his vicinity, but now that he was leaving, he didn''t have to worry about it.


    "What about those who failed to complete the kill count? What will happen to them?"


    ("They failed and will never be summoned to the Battle Royale again. They will be sent back to their planets if they are alive.")

 Chapter 40: End of preliminary test III

    Chapter 40: End of preliminary test IIISkyler nodded, and 505 showed him his status. His excitement spiked at that.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 4-star (Initial stage)


    2) Darkness: 0-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: (Locked)


    4) ???


    Overall Strength: 4-star Novice (Initial stage)


    Potential: 5-star Novice


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells:


    1) Physical Augmentation: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. The host has learned to manipulate the Evol within his elemental crystal to enhance his agility and the power of his physical attacks.


    2) Self-healing: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. The host has manipulated their Evol to heal themselves so many times that it now moves to heal them instinctively when they are injured.


    3) Object manupulation: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. As long as the user''s Evol is in another object''s body, he can move it at will. It can only work on lighter objects currently.


    System 505 Functions:


    - System Store (Locked; will be unlocked in an hour in the land for winners.)


    - System Points: 2710 (Can be earned by defeating monsters, clearing the Battle Royal preliminary test and levels, and from higher beings if anyone wishes to make the host their servant, disciple, or heir.)


    _______


    "Hehehe."


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled as he saw his status. He had worked hard to get to where he was! He was sure no other Light in all of Eldoria had ever jumped from being a 0-star to a 4-star in just a single freaking month!


    Even though the skill ''self-healing'' seemed to mock him for getting injured too often, it was quite beneficial since it automatically activated even when he was unconscious.


    505, who had grown accustomed to his eerie laugh over the last month, observed his old behavior, which surfaced from time to time, with calmness. Still, it wondered how its host could be so joyful each time he checked his status and noticed that he had gained a little more strength.


    It was as if Skyler had a talent for finding happiness in even the simplest things. Or maybe he was just a positive human?


    Skyler cleared his throat when the thought that his progress should be breaking news for the human continent crossed his mind.


    "Ahem... maybe I''m getting a bit carried away. I need to tone it down a bit. 505, this is your fault! Don''t praise me too much!"


    505: "...."


    What did it even do?


    Skyler waved his hand to dismiss his status screen before settling down on a rock.


    "505, the points I have are all earned from killing monsters. Will I receive more points in an hour, since it shows that passing the preliminary test will grant me points?"


    ("Yes, host! You will receive an additional 1,000 points the moment you teleport to the land of winners.")


    He nodded and waited eagerly for the final hour of the preliminary test to pass quickly, excitement dancing in his blue eyes.


    His life had changed completely. Now, he was going to become the strongest Light in all of Eldoria¡ªone even greater than the ''him'' he had seen on the throne. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The moment the last hour of the preliminary test ended, a brilliant gray light enveloped Skyler''s entire body. Not just his, but the bodies of every single person alive in the testing ground.


    Then, everyone vanished.


    An innumerable number of people from multiple different races were teleported to the land of winners, while those who failed were cast out into the outside world, back to the places where they had been before being transported to the preliminary test, never to have another chance to enter the Battle Royal again. Now, all they could do was weep over their defeat.


    It was a harsh selection process, and only the best were permitted to advance further.

 Chapter 41: Land of winners I

    Skyler opened his eyes and found himself standing amidst a never-ending crowd. Yet, for some reason, even though he could see the bodies of those around him, he couldn¡¯t see their faces, as if they were shrouded.


    The surroundings were filled with so many sounds that he couldn¡¯t discern just how many people were talking around him. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His ears buzzed badly, so he tried to move to understand what was going on when he was supposed to go to the land of winners, but a transparent circular barrier glimmered around him, preventing him from taking more than a step in any direction.


    "Huh?"


    Skyler reached out with his hand and touched the barrier, which flickered. He looked up hurriedly to discover its end but realized that the barrier extended so high that he couldn¡¯t see where it stopped. It felt as if he were standing at one end of an endless circular tunnel.


    "Wow..."


    He muttered in awe. Just like him, every single person who passed the test was in the same condition. Countless individuals, not just from Eldoria but from every planet across many universes, were all muttering or shouting about what was happening, yet their systems were unresponsive.


    It was at that moment that a thunderous announcement rang out everywhere. In an instant, every single person fell silent.


    (Congratulations, participants!


    You have all successfully passed the preliminary test and now qualify to climb the true Battle Royal: 3,000 Thrones and one Supreme seat above them all! Compete and complete the trials, or face calamities that could obliterate your world!


    Now, you stand on the land of winners, which only a select few will see again.


    Every victor here will receive 1,000 points for passing the test. Your performance is also being evaluated by your systems to determine your eligibility for more rewards. They will soon be permanently connected to you to guide you from now on.


    Lastly, the main system will evaluate the likelihood of your success in pursuing the 3,000 Thrones or the Supreme Seat. Note that this assessment is current and will change over time.


    To ensure privacy, all higher beings, including your assigned systems, have been temporarily severed from this land. No device or artifact will function here. A panel will appear before each of you; please place one of your hands on it so the main system can assess which throne aligns with you.)


    "What? What? Wait!"


    Too much was said in a very short time, so it took Skyler a while to process it. The first question that emerged in his mind was.


    "What thrones?"


    This was because he had been sleeping in his bedroom when he was teleported to the test and had missed the initial screen that informed participants about the thrones.


    Moreover, even though everyone in Eldoria discussed how a calamity would descend if a level of the Battle Royal isn¡¯t cleared for 30 years, no one ever talked about these 3,000 thrones and the supreme seat.


    Of course, Skyler remembered the timeline where he saw himself seated on a massive white throne in the world of spirits.


    However, he thought that throne was just a seat for the ruler, which he occupied after becoming the strongest in that realm.


    "It seems I was wrong..."


    He mumbled, and his eyes widened before sparkling with glee. He wasn¡¯t an idiot who couldn¡¯t connect the dots.


    Skyler had no proof, but he was sure that the white throne he saw himself seated on in the world of spirits wasn¡¯t just a normal throne! It was one of the thrones the main system had just talked about!


    To make it even more thrilling, in that timeline, he remembered he never entered the Battle Royal! So, how did he end up on that massive throne? There were so many questions but no answers.


    "Ugh... if only I had the complete memory of that timeline and how I ended up on that throne, it would have been so awesome. It¡¯s almost as if my memory is sealed."


    He muttered with frustration, and at that moment, just as the main system had said, a small gray panel appeared before him for him to place his hand on.


    Skyler extended his hand with anticipation. He had already reached the powerful throne that belonged to the world of spirits, so he was confident that his connection with the throne of spirits would be the highest!


    A faint mechanical voice echoed in the air, and the space above the gray panel before him flickered with words.


    (Loading...


    Checking affinity with elements. Current affinities: Light, Darkness, Space (Locked).


    Assessing which throne aligns with you...


    Loading... Please wait a moment.)

 Chapter 42: Land of winners II

    Just like Skyler, every single person in the land of winners waited for the results.


    No one knew what this was all about, not even those who could communicate with the powerful higher beings. All they could do was wait for more information.


    Far away, Zack¡¯s silver eyes narrowed. He chuckled, and the small amount of trust he had in the Keeper of Time dissipated.


    "Huh... dear master, I knew you were lying when you said these 3,000 thrones and the Supreme seat aren¡¯t important. Perhaps a greater game is unfolding, and we are just pawns. Still, I won¡¯t complain, as this new life of mine is becoming more thrilling."


    His results flashed above the panel before his eyes, causing him to raise an eyebrow as it was the worst he had ever seen.


    (Throne of Fire:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +0.2%


    Throne of Thunder:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +0.1%


    Throne of Weather:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +0.2%


    These are the thrones that aligns with you. The thrones and the likelihood can increase as you grow. The main system wishes you well on your journey and looks forward to your next visit to the land of winners.)


    Zack noticed that, unlike the rest of the crowd, the barrier around him turned faintly silver, shining brighter than the others.


    "Is +0.2% the best one can achieve? I¡¯m very weak, so it¡¯s not bad for a start. What about the protagonist? Which thrones align with him, and what likelihood does he have of reaching them? Haha, I already know!"


    He looked around and noticed many other barriers turning silver in his surroundings. The barriers were very tall, so people could easily see them when their colors changed. Among them, one of the silver barriers was the brightest and shone the most.


    "The brightest silver barrier belongs to the protagonist. As for the remaining, some of them belong to the main cast of the story, while others belong to stronger individuals from different universes or planets."


    Zack muttered and shook his head. He was correct; the brightest silver barrier belonged to Max, who stared at his results in silence.


    (Throne of Compassion:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +5%


    Throne of Kindness:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +5%


    Throne of Light:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +5%


    Throne of Chrono:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +10%


    These are the thrones that aligns with you. The thrones and the likelihood can increase as you grow. The main system wishes you well on your journey and looks forward to your next visit to the land of winners.)


    Max rubbed his brows.


    "The Goddess of Compassion told me I should focus solely on clearing the Battle Royal, and she would accept me as her only disciple at the right time. But I can tell that these thrones are what the higher beings are fighting for. So, it¡¯s quite possible she intends to use me in the future."


    He took a deep breath. He needs to be more cautious from now on. The Goddess has helped him, but he can¡¯t fully trust her. So, he can¡¯t reveal what he is seeing above the panel to her¡ªat least not the truth.


    Max looked around like those who were done examining their panel. But his eyes widened when he saw a golden barrier in the center of a few silver ones and many that were colorless. It was so clear and vivid, like a majestic pillar of gold that almost everyone could see it.


    "Who is inside that barrier...? Why did only their barrier turn golden?"


    Unlike Max, who reacted with shock yet remained calm, Zack¡¯s mind short-circuited when he saw the golden barrier.


    "The fuck....!"


    He cursed under his breath, startled. In the story, a golden barrier never appeared in the land of winners! Not even the protagonist¡¯s barrier turned golden. So, why the hell was such an anomaly happening so suddenly?


    He always ensured that the story wouldn¡¯t change due to his interference!


    "Shit! Is this the butterfly effect because I changed the fate of many side characters? No, noooo! If someone stronger than Max appears, I¡¯ll lose all my advantages! Keeper of Time, tell me who¡¯s inside that barrier?!"


    He called out abruptly, only to remember that the main system had cut off all higher beings from the land for the time being.


    "Damn it!"


    He nibbled his nails, fervently hoping that the individual in the golden barrier was from another universe altogether! That was the only thing that could grant him peace.


    Jenny also saw the golden barrier. Her barrier was a pale shade of silver.


    "A different color from all... does this indicate that the person in that golden barrier is the strongest or the weakest?"


    Unbeknownst to everyone, even the main system was in a state of panic upon seeing the golden barrier. It had never encountered such outcomes before in a lower universe! If the higher beings discovered this, it knew many of them would descend solely to find and eliminate the occupant of the barrier!


    That¡¯s why the main system was relieved that no higher beings could peek inside the land of winners. It hurriedly dismissed the matter as an error since the highest rule of Battle Royal granted absolute privacy to those whose barrier turned golden.


    Now, as long as the person within the golden barrier remained silent, no one would ever uncover what had transpired.


    Unaware of the chaos his presence had caused, Skyler observed his results and erupted into an eerie laughter.


    (The Sole Supreme Seat:


    Skybound Throne:


    Likelihood of reaching it: +1%


    Due to the ¡¯Special Spirit Constitution¡¯, the Supreme Seat resonates with you. Because of this, if the participant aims for any of the remaining 3,000 Thrones, the likelihood of reaching them is 80%. The likelihood can increase as you grow.


    The main system congratulates the esteemed participant, wishes you well on your journey, and eagerly anticipates your next visit to the land of winners.)


    If only Zack could witness the polite and warm words of the main system, he would have coughed up a mouthful of blood from the stark contrast directed at everyone else and Skyler! But fortunately, he couldn¡¯t.


    Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 43: Land of winners III

    Skyler was laughing like a maniac, caressing the golden barrier. But 505 finally appeared to ruin his mood.


    ("Host! I¡¯m so happy! I can¡¯t put it into words! Thanks to you, 505 can finally leave the boring preliminary testing ground! Now, we will climb the Battle Royal together!")


    The system was enthusiastic, but it was met with a lukewarm response.


    "Oh, okay."


    505: QAQ


    Skyler sighed because the panel and words before him vanished after 505 arrived. Even the pretty color of his barrier had faded.


    He looked around, and like his, the silver barriers had also reverted to their original transparent state. 505 asked him what had happened, but he shook his head.


    "Just tell me what you need to say. And when will I be able to leave this place?"


    505 quickly responded.


    ("Host, you have established a permanent connection with 505. This link allows you to return to the Battle Royal at any time. You will start at the first level, where you must survive and find a way to advance.")


    "I know this much already."


    ("Let 505 finish! You can enter and exit the Battle Royal whenever you want.


    However, there are rules:


    Once you have returned to any level of the Battle Royal, you cannot exit for the first 10 days. You cannot exit if there are enemies within 100 meters of you, if you are in battle, or if you are performing tasks.


    So, host, please be prepared whenever you decide to return to the Battle Royal.") S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler absorbed all the information shared with him. He knew they could enter and exit the Battle Royal after clearing the first test, but he was unaware of the rules.


    Suddenly, a thought struck him.


    "What if I have cleared a level of the Battle Royal in less than 10 days? Can I exit?"


    The system was speechless. People can¡¯t clear a level in months or even many years, and here its host was considering that he could clear one in less than 10 days.


    ("Yes, you can. But host, there¡¯s one rule you must follow at all costs: you can only talk about the 3,000 thrones and the one Supreme Seat in the Battle Royal.


    If you try to speak about it outside, you won¡¯t be able to articulate anything.")


    Skyler¡¯s eyes widened slightly. Now he understood why no one ever mentioned the thrones in the outside world, as if they had never heard of them! Another gray screen flashed before him.


    ("Host, I also have some bad news!


    505 is going to miss you! QAQ! We are permanently connected, but you can only talk to me when you¡¯re in the Battle Royal. When you leave, I will have to return to the system¡¯s base and wait for you!")


    The system was crying, but Skyler had different kinds of worries.


    "What?? Does that mean I can¡¯t see my status in the outside world??"


    ("Host! I thought we were friends?")


    Skyler¡¯s eyes crinkled with amusement. He never realized 505 had been so impacted by his nonsense. Hehe.


    "Yes, yes, we are friends. But being able to see my status in the outside world is very important as well. You understand, right?"


    505 eyed him very suspiciously. However, he still answered his question.


    ("You can see your status in the outside world. That is the link you shared with 505. Please quickly check your status, as two more options have been added to it: the ability to exit or enter Battle Royal.


    The system shop is also open. The host has about half an hour to use it, since it is available only in the Battle Royal. After that, you will be teleported back to the place from where you were summoned.


    Lastly, you have not received any additional rewards for passing the initial test, as the host¡¯s performance was just... average.")


    505 didn¡¯t dare to say that, based on the calculations, Skyler¡¯s performance was one of the worst since he had barely completed the 300 kill count. It was a good system, so it didn¡¯t want to hurt its host, even though the other systems had mocked him when the assessment results were revealed.


    Skyler nodded, a bit aggrieved that even after so much hard work, his performance was just ¡¯average¡¯, and he called out.


    "Status!"


    A screen appeared before him.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 4-star (Initial stage)


    2) Darkness: 0-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: (Locked)


    4) ???


    Overall Strength: 4-star Novice (Initial stage)


    Potential: 5-star Novice


    (Currently locked due to ¡¯Special Spirit Constitution¡¯. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (3)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Opened. Imagine pressing the words to access the store.)


    - System points: 3710


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 1st level of Battle Royal (Available)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Currently not available)


    _______


    Skyler¡¯s eyes paused at the white words indicating that he can enter the 1st level of Battle Royal now, and he shuddered.


    "No way. Surviving without clothes, weapons, and food is very difficult... I will enter the first level when I am prepared."


    He looked at the system store option and imagined pressing the words. Instantly, his status screen vanished, replaced by a new screen filled with various categories such as potions, weapons, skills, spells, crafting materials, clothes, food, armor, artifacts, herbs, mounts, and many more. A search bar was located at the top of the screen, telling him to think about what he wanted, and at the bottom, there was a tiny prompt telling him to imagine scrolling down. He did so to view all the available options.


    "Wow... this isn¡¯t just a store; it¡¯s like a market filled with everything. I feel like I¡¯m browsing online on Star-Net, haha."

 Chapter 44: Land of winners IV

    Skyler thought about selecting the first category, ¡¯potions¡¯, available in the store.


    Potions were liquids made from various herbs containing Evol. They temporarily enhanced the body or healed injuries upon ingestion and were crafted by individuals known as alchemists.


    Many categories of potions appeared before him, like healing potion, strength potion, speed potion, love potion, Evol restoration potion, and many more.


    This caused Skyler to laugh excitedly because it was so much like a game!


    But his smile vanished when he thought about choosing the Evol restoration potion for the Light element category and noticed the prices of all the available options.


    _____


    Light Evol Restoration Potion:


    Replenish Light Evol in the user¡¯s crystal.


    - (Novice Tier) Price: 500 points


    - (Adept Tier) Price: 1,000 points


    - (Epic Tier) Price: 3,000 points


    - (Legendary Tier) Price: 10,000 points


    - (Mythic Tier) Price: 100,000 points


    _____


    Skyler shut his eyes. He was fucking poor. Just one Novice tier potion cost more than 10% of the points he painstakingly earned after putting his life on the line.


    He closed the store and sat down on the ground with a solemn expression.


    "505? Can I even buy something useful in the system store? Or is the store just telling me to screw off in a roundabout way?"


    ("Host! You can just tell me what you want, and I can search for the best and cheapest option available in the store for you. It¡¯s one of the systems main functions. So, there¡¯s no need to feel down. You are poor, but a poor person who has passed the test!")


    Skyler¡¯s eyebrow twitched. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Why did he feel like the system was indirectly rubbing salt in his wounds?


    He contemplated deeply, but he had no clear idea of what to buy from the store.


    He could acquire treasures to enhance his strength, but he knew they wouldn¡¯t be very useful to him as a 4-star since all he could obtain were novice or adept tier items with his points. As for weapons and other items, he could obtain them based on his strength in the outside world. So, it was wiser for him to refrain from acquiring anything he could not utilize with his current strength.


    Suddenly, his blue eyes lit up.


    "Does the system store have... you know, real gems or crystals? Gold is also fine. They may not be useful, but they are still expensive in the outside world."


    505: "..."


    Thus, Skyler¡¯s first purchase was completed. He acquired 10 real gems for 1,000 points and 10 beautiful, sparkling crystals for another 1,000 points, which served no use except for their beauty.


    This was a stark contrast to the other victors who were searching for the best available items in the store to get stronger or items their elders had told them about.


    505 cried in the corner, unsure of what to expect anymore. At this rate, one day his host might willingly jump to his death just to obtain something sparkling!


    For some reason, the system was seeing its own future as very bleak and filled with many hardships, causing it to shudder.


    Skyler stood up, not caring about how 505 was questioning its reason for existence.


    He was very pleased and stored the gems and crystals in his storage ring.


    "I still have more points, but I will leave them to use in case of an emergency in the future when I return to Battle Royal..."


    Skyler waited, and finally, his time in the land of winners came to an end. It was time to go back home after a difficult month. A smile spread across his face at the thought of his parents, who would be so proud.


    "505, I will see you soon. Take care."


    ("Take care as well, host!")


    With that, he vanished, along with every individual standing in the land of winners. All of them had taken their first step toward something significant. Many were excited to brag, many wanted to advance further, and others just wanted to go back home.


    The space trembled, and the land of winners also vanished once it was empty.

 Chapter 45: Finally back I

    Inside a familiar, medium-sized modern room, a gray light illuminated the only bed positioned opposite a computer table that had remained untouched for two years.


    Skyler opened his eyes, shuddering as he took in the familiar ceiling of his room.


    When he had been teleported to the Battle Royal, he had been sleeping, but upon his return, he was wide awake. He experienced the process of teleportation, which felt as if his body had been shattered into many tiny fragments in an instant, only to reassemble itself moments later.


    The process was both terrifying and exhilarating at the same time.


    "I am back..."


    He chuckled, but before he could sit down on his bed, a pair of arms wrapped around him from the side. Riya Ironhart kissed his forehead and muttered in a choked voice.


    "You scared us to death!"


    Johnson was seated on the bed behind Riya. The couple had been waiting for their son to return for an entire day in his room. Now that the boy had finally shown up, they could breathe a sigh of relief.


    Skyler smiled and hugged his mother back before sitting up cross legged. He glanced at his father, who flicked his forehead with a sigh, causing him to hiss exaggeratedly.


    "What was that for?!"


    Johnson Ironhart rolled his eyes. This kid didn¡¯t know what they had gone through in the past month to find him. He looked a bit haggard, but he had gotten some rest after seeing Skyler on the battle stage.


    "That¡¯s for making me worry for a whole month and making your mother cry!"


    Skyler grumbled as he rubbed his forehead, but the crinkled corners of his eyes revealed that he was feeling lighthearted. He quickly offered an apology, like an obedient child.


    "I am sorry for worrying you two..."


    Riya shook her head and waved her fingers through his unruly ash-brown hair. His hair was clean and faintly shining as usual, but it was slightly greasy and felt heavy.


    This was to be expected; even though he had washed himself in the waterfall many times, he hadn¡¯t taken a proper bath that would thoroughly cleanse his scalp.


    She smiled and, just like her husband, flicked his forehead lightly.


    "No, it¡¯s not your fault, my dear son. This could happen to anyone, what happened to you. But yes, you do need a good bath."


    The atmosphere in the room lightened.


    The past month spent walking on thin ice felt trivial now that their kids were back.


    Riya and Johnson were angry with Jenny, but as parents, they were grateful that their daughter was back safe and sound as well. Unlike Skyler, they had watched her through the tiny video recording drones floating around her and her team.


    Skyler¡¯s eyebrow twitched and he grabbed his collar to smell himself. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t smell bad. His natural body odor was pleasant, and even though it was currently mixed with sweat, he still smelled okay.


    But it was true that he needed a good bath. He grimaced, feeling very uncomfortable. Now that he was back home, his slightly clean-freak side was resurfacing as well.


    "You¡¯re right, I need a bath!"


    Riya chuckled at his words, and Skyler jumped off his bed, ready to grab some clothes and take a long, warm bath.


    Johnson looked him up and down as he rummaged through his wardrobe fixed in the wall next to the computer table.


    "Just whose clothes are you wearing? They look so big on you... and what¡¯s that tied around your waist? A straw hat?"


    He laughed at the end, causing his son¡¯s face to turn red. Clutching the straw hat, Skyler tossed it into his storage ring.


    "This... this is something I crafted to avoid the sunlight. Don¡¯t laugh!"


    With that, he took a t-shirt emblazoned with the letters ¡¯OP¡¯ and a pair of dark jeans from his wardrobe before entering the bathroom and hastily shutting the door behind him.


    Riya slapped her husband¡¯s shoulder for embarrassing their son, and he tsked, but then his expression turned serious.


    "You sensed his aura, right?"


    She nodded with a hum. Of course she did. She had recently broken through to the final stage of 8-star herself; how could she not?


    "He is at the initial stage of 4-star."


    It was shocking, but it was the truth. Their son had jumped from being a person with no power to a 4-star in a single month.


    They had heard similar news, but it was something only geniuses with potential of 20 stars or above could achieve. Yet, he had done it with no help, and the irony was that the potential he awakened was just 1-star.


    Was it truly because the preliminary test was filled with numerous opportunities, or was it because he himself was special?


    Riya leaned back against Johnson, and he wrapped his arm around her waist.


    "Let¡¯s talk to Skyler later to find out what type of treasure he found in the test that helped him form his first elemental crystal and increase his potential..."


    She said this; however, both of them knew that even if their son had found a treasure and increased his potential after eating it, his overall strength would not have grown so much in such a short time.


    After all, a person¡¯s potential is the limit of what their body can achieve, regardless of how hard they work. That¡¯s why the closer they get to their potential, the more difficult it becomes to make further progress.


    Johnson nodded slightly.


    "I will place a light as a guard around him for a while as well. His situation is special. As someone with only 1-star potential, he has returned far too powerful. If any of the villains discover this, they will want to know how he achieved it. It would be bad if he got kidnapped just after he returned." Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Riya slapped his shoulder again for saying something so ominous, and he wasn¡¯t sure whether to cry or laugh since he was merely stating what they should do.


    Still, he changed the topic.


    "Let¡¯s assess his potential again. I will get the old artifact from the guild."


    Riya agreed, and they both left the room to cook something delicious for dinner since it was late in the evening. They would discuss how their son spent his days during the test and the matter of Starlight Academy later.

 Chapter 46: Finally back II

    In the bathroom, standing in front of a frameless mirror with built-in LED lighting for better visibility, Skyer wrapped a towel around his waist and wiped the fog off the mirror to see his reflection.


    Water droplets trickled down his freshly washed hair, clinging to his forehead and rolling down his lean yet toned body.


    "505?"


    He called out, but there was no response. Just as the system indicated, he couldn¡¯t communicate with it in the outside world.


    He called out his status, and it appeared before him. His gaze stopped at the words, ¡¯Enter 1st level of Battle Royale (Available)¡¯.


    "Not now, but soon."


    Humming faintly, Skyler stared into the mirror and started drying his hair with a hairdryer. His crystal-like blue eyes looked back at him, but he noticed a hint of white flashing in his gaze, causing him to blink.


    "What was that?"


    He leaned in closer to the mirror but jumped back in surprise when he saw his reflection tilt its head on its own.


    "???"


    His heart nearly leaped out of his chest. However, when he looked again, he couldn¡¯t detect any movement. He chuckled dryly.


    "Nope... that was not my imagination. Don¡¯t tell me there is a ghost in my bathroom??"


    He had never heard of ghosts. However, multiple temples dedicated to the goddess of mercy were scattered across Eldoria. Unlike the royalty and government, these temples lacked significant influence, yet righteous individuals who could wield the light element often joined them. These individuals were called virtuous lights. So, perhaps ghosts could be real as well?


    Skyler swiftly dressed, hung up the towel, and rushed out of the bathroom. He would ask his mother to contact someone from a nearby temple to have his room inspected. Eldoria has Dark Lights¡ªpeople referred to as villains¡ªwho can control dead bodies, so he shouldn¡¯t take anything lightly. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What he did not know was that his self, who had climbed the Throne of Spirits, had stirred the moment he recalled some of his past related to it. It was confused, as it had no memories and was merely part of Skyler without true existence, since its existence was wiped out when time was reversed.


    However, it could manifest if Skyler experienced extreme emotions, just like a ticking bomb that could explode at any moment. This was Skyler¡¯s good self. There was still another self, one that was darker, which he had yet to remember.


    ***


    Skyler quickly walked out of his room, straightening his collar, and settled at the dining table with his phone, which had remained unused for an entire month.


    His mother was working in the kitchen while his father helped her.


    He smiled at the scene. Skyler wanted a loving partner as well. Unfortunately, his first crush had to be someone from a race he didn¡¯t even know the name of, so he couldn¡¯t pursue that red-eyed lady.


    "Perhaps I can meet her in the future."


    He whispered and unlocked the screen of his phone. His smile faded as he noticed a flurry of messages. Many were from people he had lost touch with after awakening his potential and affinity.


    They all mentioned the news of his disappearance and how they had heard or seen him in the preliminary test when Max and Jenny¡¯s performances on the battle stages were broadcast on every channel.


    In the end, they said that if he came back, he should let them know if he was alright and how he had increased his potential.


    "A bunch of jerks."


    Skyler tsked and blocked all of them without hesitation. They did not even know if he had survived the preliminary test, yet they wanted to know why he, a waste, had become stronger than his potential.


    He was a fool to ever consider them his friends¡ªthose selfish opportunists.


    Johnson looked at him from behind the high kitchen counter as he tossed his phone onto the dining table.


    "What happened?"


    Skyler shook his head.


    "Nothing. I am just hungry. How much longer until dinner? Like, I haven¡¯t eaten real food in a month... All I have had is bland roasted meat! Ugh, it was so tasteless."


    He wrinkled his brows, and Johnson laughed at his antics, a bit surprised that his son¡¯s usual lively side had returned.


    It had been two years since he had seen Skyler so talkative. It was good progress, and he liked this version of his son more than the silent and gloomy one.


    Skyler stood up to help his mother set the cutlery, and she asked in a joking manner.


    "You know the basics, but how about your mom teaches you how to cook and packs some spices for you? It would be useful if you have no other choice but to cook for yourself in the future."


    He paused and gave it careful thought.


    "Not a bad idea. I like it."


    Riya burst into laughter, and the three of them settled down to eat once dinner was served. Skyler took a bowl of rice, and the couple was amused when he, who loved meat dishes the most, didn¡¯t touch them and chose stir-fried vegetables instead. It seemed he had really developed a distaste for meat after eating tasteless meat.


    Out of nowhere, Johnson asked Skyler whether he had bought anything from the system shop at the end of the preliminary test with the points he earned.


    Skyler set his spoon down with a dry ¡¯haha,¡¯ fully aware that his parents were definitely not going to like what he had purchased.


    "It¡¯s a secret..."


    Noticing his behavior, which was very similar to when he had done something wrong, both Riya and Johnson exchanged glances, fearing that he had either wasted his points or hadn¡¯t bought anything at all.


    Johnson narrowed his gray eyes. System points were crucial since they were the only currency used in the Battle Royal.


    "Skyler Ironhart!"


    That¡¯s how ten gems and ten beautiful, sparkling crystals were laid out on the table one by one, leaving the couple speechless, as what their son had done was worse than just wasting the points on the wrong items.


    With a twitching brow, Johnson touched one of the crystals, once again confirming that they had no Evol in them and served no purpose other than their beauty. They were expensive in the real world, as they could be sold to jewelers, but that was all.


    He stared at his son, unsure of what to feel anymore, since he and Riya already knew of Skyler¡¯s obsession with sparkling things.


    Yet, they never imagined he would waste his precious points on gems.


    Johnson rubbed his forehead.


    "You... Why did you even get these?"


    Skyler scratched his chin.


    "Because they are beautiful!"


    He stood up and quickly started to massage Johnson¡¯s shoulders before his parents could reprimand him.


    "Also, my dear dad can get me other things like weapons and treasures, right?"

 Chapter 47: Finally back III

    Johnson scoffed but did not stop Skyler from massaging his shoulder. It felt nice as he kneaded his muscles. It seemed his son, who always did this to evade scolding, had become quite skilled at it.


    "Stop trying to butter me up."


    Skyler smirked inwardly. It worked!


    Riya noticed his crinkling eyes and sighed softly. She hoped he wouldn¡¯t do anything similar again in the future.


    "Just tell us how you spent your days during the preliminary test and..."


    She paused for a moment.


    "How did you increase your potential? Did you discover a treasure?"


    Skyler nodded and recounted the days he had spent in the preliminary test.


    His parents grew more astonished with each detail he shared, as he intentionally omitted the moments when he was injured or chased by monsters.


    He also didn¡¯t mention that in the test he was abandoned twice, the first time being by none other than his older sister.


    They could hardly believe their son possessed such remarkable survival skills and fighting powers, and this was when he hadn¡¯t even joined any academy or received any formal training in combat! What would happen when he joined an academy and received specialized coaching?


    Skyler paused for a moment when it was time for him to explain why his potential had increased. He didn¡¯t want to lie, but he also didn¡¯t want to reveal the truth.


    "As for my potential... it just suddenly increased on its own. I didn¡¯t absorb any treasures since I didn¡¯t find one."


    Riya and Johnson could tell he wasn¡¯t sharing the full details, but they didn¡¯t press further. Anyway, they would learn about his current potential tomorrow when they got the old artifact, which would tell them if he had used a treasure, as treasures could only increase potential to a certain limit.


    When he finished, they brought up the matter of Starlight Academy.


    Riya looked at him seriously.


    "After witnessing your performance, Vice Principal Doris granted you a special pass to join the academy without taking any type of tests. But Doris set two conditions: first, you must return alive from the preliminary test, and second, you must clear it. You are back alive, but did you pass the test?"


    Johnson also became serious. This was important. If their son had passed the test, it meant his life had completely changed.


    Skyler didn¡¯t hide his ambition.


    "I did, and I¡¯m going to enter the Battle Royal again. I want to walk on this path."


    His parents stayed silent for a moment before Riya inhaled and nodded.


    "Okay, we will support you."


    Johnson held her hand. He knew it took a lot for Riya to say what she did. If possible, they didn¡¯t want their children to go through the Battle Royal¡ªboth Skyler and Jenny.


    However, in Eldoria, the strong ruled while the weak were preyed upon. They didn¡¯t stop Jenny when she left for the academy, and if Skyler wanted to enter the Battle Royal again, they wouldn¡¯t stop him either.


    This was their life and their battles. As parents, they would worry, but they couldn¡¯t stop them from chasing their dreams. They knew Skyler wanted to become a powerful Light, but he had to abandon that dream when he awakened a 1-star potential.


    So, how could they stop him now that he had finally gotten a chance to pursue that dream again? The only thing they could do was support him like they did with Jenny, providing him with the best resources they could and hoping their son would always come back safe and sound.


    Suddenly, Skyler moved and stored the gems and sparkling crystals in his storage ring before his parents confiscated them.


    Johnson¡¯s eyebrow twitched at his actions, but he didn¡¯t say anything about it. Instead, he asked him if he would join the Academy.


    Skyler thought carefully. Knowing that his potential was still locked, he knew that no other academy would easily accept him as a student, even if he passed their tests, if they checked his current potential.


    Moreover, the academies had already closed their admissions for this year, so why would they create tests solely for him just because he performed well and cleared the preliminary test when there are others who outperformed him in that test?


    He needed to enroll in the best available institute where he could learn and access information about the lower levels of Battle Royal that had already been cleared. After all, even though his parents can share that knowledge with him, they can¡¯t provide the details that the academies possess.


    So, his decision was clear.


    "Starlight is the number one academy on the human continent, known for having the best resources. It¡¯s the best option for me, and I don¡¯t even have to take any tests. So, I will join it. But first, I will go back to college and settle everything. Once I am done, I will leave for the academy."


    His parents granted him the freedom to choose. After they finished dinner, Skyler helped his mother wash the dishes, and his father settled down on the sofa with a cup of coffee and watched the news on TV.


    Many anchors were discussing how even the best fighters from the Beast continent, who entered the 51st level of Battle Royal a month ago, had returned with the solemn news of defeat in their first attempt, just like those from the human continent.


    Johnson shook his head.


    "The more levels we climb in the Battle Royal, the more difficult it¡¯s getting."


    Even he and Riya had only cleared the first eight levels of that place and stopped at the ninth level since it was getting dangerous.


    Hearing him, Skyler peered out from behind the kitchen counter into the living room. His gaze shifted to the LED TV set in the wall.


    "They can¡¯t clear that level. It seems I need to work hard and clear it for them. Tsk." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He said it jokingly, and Johnson rolled his eyes. Skyler had just passed the preliminary test, yet he was already daydreaming about clearing the 51st level of Battle Royal that even the strongest Lights couldn¡¯t.

 Chapter 48: Finally back IV

    When Skyler was done, he didn¡¯t settle down with his parents. Instead, he said goodnight to them, but before he went to sleep, he turned to Riya and whispered.


    "Mom, I think there¡¯s a ghost in my bathroom. Can you contact a nearby temple and have it checked tomorrow?"


    Skyler didn¡¯t dare raise his voice since he thought his dad would laugh at him. But as someone who had reached the initial stage of 10-star a month ago, Johnson¡¯s senses were very sharp; he heard him clearly. Yet, instead of laughing, he immediately stood up and went to check the bathroom.


    He returned after a minute.


    "There¡¯s nothing, boy. You must have imagined it since you just came back after going through so much. However, we live in a world where anything is possible. So, I will get in touch with a temple tomorrow. Go to sleep; I¡¯ve activated a skill that allows me to sense every type of Evol, so if anything happens, I¡¯ll know immediately."


    Skyler felt lighthearted as he gazed at his father. He had been so wrong about his old man! He didn¡¯t laugh at all at his absurd words; instead, he believed him!


    "Dad, you know, you¡¯re the best!"


    He flashed a charming smile and went to sleep, unaware that his father was worried a villain might come and kidnap him.


    Riya chuckled softly at the scene, happy that the usual liveliness had returned.


    Skyler set a few alarms on his phone to wake up early for college and crawled under his bedsheet. It had been a month since he last slept in his comfortable bed. He had to stay vigilant all the time during the test, but now that he knew he was safe, perhaps that¡¯s why he fell asleep in no time.


    However, shortly after, a faint white and pitch-black aura surrounded his body. He was sleeping, but not entirely. It was as if his consciousness was partially awake.


    In the outside world, his eyes were closed, but he found himself standing in an empty space suffused with gray. Only two grand mirrors loomed before him.


    It took him about a minute to dispel the disorientation clouding his thoughts and regain clarity of the situation. Once he did, he grimaced as he realized he was in an unfamiliar place once again.


    "Am I cursed or something? Now, just where the hell did I get teleported to?"


    He looked around, taking everything in rather calmly. After all, this wasn¡¯t the first time he had fallen asleep in his bed only to wake up in an entirely different place.


    "At least this time I didn¡¯t wake up with a monster trying to chop off my head."


    Skyler shuddered exaggeratedly, grateful that his head was safe and sound.


    However, as he stepped closer to the two massive mirrors looming before him, he finally couldn¡¯t stay calm anymore.


    His heart rate spiked so much that he felt as if it would leap out of his chest because he was confronted by the sight of his own reflections staring back at him.


    Two massive figures.


    Both had his ash-brown hair and a similar face, but they possessed tall and powerful body frames, and the color of their glowing eyes differed from his. The one on the left had pitch-black eyes, while the one on the right had brilliant white eyes.


    "Oh... My..."


    He stumbled back, only to lose his footing and drop down onto his butt. His breathing was erratic, and Skyler felt suffocated just by staring at the figures in the mirrors, even though they were both frozen in place and didn¡¯t move at all from their positions.


    His heart skipped a beat when the figure with white eyes tilted its head. A hint of confusion flashed in its vacant gaze.


    Its lips parted slowly. No voice emerged, but Skyler could discern the word being spoken. It was saying, ¡¯Who?¡¯


    Skyler instinctively let out.


    "Me?"


    He calmed his racing heart. Once he felt calm, he finally sensed a connection with the two figures in the mirrors and took a deep breath before scrambling to his feet as a sudden realization dawned on him.


    "You are a part of me!"


    His eyes wandered toward the other figure with dark eyes, and he took a step back. He knew that the one with white eyes was ¡¯him,¡¯ who had climbed the Throne of Spirits, but what about the figure with dark eyes?


    Also, why could he see them? Where was he? So many questions, but no answers.


    "Is this my subconscious?"


    He muttered, astonished at how easily he understood the situation, only to knock his head the next second.


    "I am being conceited again! This is 505¡¯s fault for complimenting me so much!"


    Skyler stared back at the figure with white eyes. However, it had stopped moving, and its gaze had turned vacant again.


    "I guess it wasn¡¯t a ghost that I saw in the bathroom, but rather a part of me..."


    He sat down in front of the mirrors and thought for a long time. It did not take him long to understand that he could leave the space simply by thinking about it.


    Regardless, one thing was clear, and he could sense it too. The two figures in the mirrors were just remnants of a timeline that no longer existed.


    Moreover, after seeing the confusion in the eyes of the figure with white eyes, he could tell that it didn¡¯t remember anything about its life and had stirred within him because he recalled something related to it.


    Skyler woke up in his bed. It was late at night as he sat up with a sigh.


    "They both looked intimidating, but now that I think about it, they don¡¯t have much power. Maybe when I remember everything from the past timeline, they will integrate with me since they are me. The problem is if they have the ability to manifest... it¡¯s unclear whether I can control them." S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He hummed, and his eyes glowed white in the darkness. He believed in the present, so he would live his current life. The past was there, and it was his, but even if he recalled it, he was not going to dwell on it as long as it didn¡¯t interfere with his present.


    "My life is turning awesome. Hehe."


    He crawled under his blanket, feeling giddy, and fell asleep again. Tomorrow, he had to wake up early. No compromise on sleep, even if his life was turning awesome.

 Chapter 49: Last day in College I

    Early the next morning, dressed in a familiar white button-down shirt and blue college uniform pants, Skyler had breakfast with his parents, who were getting ready to leave for the guild together.


    Over the past month, the couple had been dedicating all their time to watching every broadcast to ensure their son was fine in the preliminary test, just like Jenny, which resulted in a lot of work piling up.


    The fact that Johnson was one of the two leaders of the only guild in Nowan City, and that the Lights working under him had also neglected their work while searching for his son, did nothing to improve the situation.


    In their absence, new crystals leading to other dimensions filled with monsters had materialized above the city, and now they had to manage those that had turned gray or were about to turn orange.


    Unlike the top six guilds in the Human Continent, which were officially granted their titles by the royalty, Johnson¡¯s guild lacked fame. However, it had many strong Lights. Moreover, small cities like Nowan City could only rely on guilds like his that were dedicated to ensuring public safety.


    Skyler was putting on his sneakers when his father asked him for the second time.


    "Are you sure you don¡¯t want us to drop you off at the entrance of the college?"


    Riya also glanced at her son, who was seated before the apartment entrance, but Skyler shook his head with a smirk.


    "It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m going to use my electric motorcycle that¡¯s been collecting dust for so long. It¡¯s my last day of college, and I want to break all the rules, especially the one that says students aren¡¯t allowed to park their vehicles at the gate. Hehe."


    He stood up, pleased that with the storage ring he no longer had to carry anything, and twirled the silver keychain around his finger as he quickly exited the apartment.


    Johnson watched him leave, speechless.


    "So that¡¯s why he wants to go alone. I am not sure if I should scold him. His old habit of causing trouble is coming back."


    Riya chuckled, and he picked up his phone and dialed a number. The call connected on the first ring, and an alert voice answered.


    "Sir, I am already outside the building!"


    Johnson conversed with the Light he had assigned to watch over Skyler.


    "Good. Protect my son for the next few days until he leaves for the academy."


    ***


    At the same time, Skyler took the elevator down to the parking area in front of the tall building and approached the motorcycle parked in a corner among the cars.


    It was covered in a dark waterproof fabric, and the moment he removed the fabric, its whole body gleamed in the sunlight.


    He sighed softly. The motorcycle was sleek and beautiful, but in a world filled with flying cars, it was all he had¡ªor should he say, all that his dad had bought for him? Even his parents didn¡¯t own a flying car.


    "Hopefully, once I have enough money in the future and become stronger, I will buy a flying car... Wait, why do I need to buy a flying car when I can just fly around?"


    Skyler laughed, causing the eyebrow of the man¡ªhidden in the shadows¡ªhis dad had assigned to watch over him to twitch.


    Only Lights above 10 stars or those with rare skills, such as flying or levitating, have the ability to float. Even he did not possess that ability as a 8-star, and yet this kid was already thinking about flying around.


    Skyler put on the full-face helmet and smoothly got onto the motorcycle, donning dark fingerless gloves before speeding off.


    The man followed him quietly, utilizing a skill that greatly enhanced his speed.


    In no time, Skyler arrived at 4th Nowan High, the top college in all of Nowan City.


    The students entering the college¡¯s gate all gasped when a motorcycle pulled up at the entrance and Skyler got off. He removed his helmet and ran his hand through his hair.


    "It¡¯s a beautiful morning."


    Those who recognized him erupted into loud murmurs since he was famous in the city and the fact that he was teleported to the preliminary test a month ago, despite being ineligible, had spread as well.


    Skyler rubbed his nose.


    For the first time, he didn¡¯t mind the murmurs surrounding him. Of course, the next moment, his electric motorcycle was confiscated by the guards at the entrance. Even though he was famous, he still had to abide by the college¡¯s rules. But he didn¡¯t care and even handed them his helmet.


    "Please take care of it for me. I will be back shortly. I¡¯m here to have my name removed from the college. Today¡¯s my last day."


    With that, he turned to enter the gates, only to look back when he sensed eyes on him.


    "I have been feeling like someone is watching me, or is it my imagination?"


    He frowned but continued to stroll through the gates, unaware that in a dark alley near the college, the 8-star Light his father had placed to watch over him had captured a villain who had come to kidnap him.


    Robert snickered at the man in his grasp.


    "Sir was right; you pesky dark lights are bound to show up around his son!"


    The dark-haired man in his hold chuckled, revealing rows of yellow teeth.


    "I am just an ordinary citizen. How can you think I¡¯m one of those bad villains?"


    His smirk and the wild glint in his eye didn¡¯t match his words. Before Robert could knock the man out, a woman dressed in red slammed a metal pipe against his head. In an instant, blood oozed from the wound as he staggered back, his vision clouding. The woman struck him in the same spot again and again, and he lost consciousness.


    She clicked her tongue and tossed the metal pipe she had just picked up from the alley away before wiping her hands. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Clean this up and let¡¯s go. You know, the doc is impatient. He said to capture the test subjects, and lucky for us, both of them happened to be at the same college."


    The man with yellow teeth smirked and leaned down to slap Robert¡¯s cheek softly. He was known as Dread.


    "Hiss... it must have been painful. Miss Scar is a cruel woman. My apologies."


    He looked at the woman. They were both minor villains who worked for higher-ups in the underworld for money and resources. Scar and Dread were their fake aliases.


    They both had bounties on their heads, and the ¡¯Doc¡¯ the woman was discussing was a wealthy dark alchemist in the underworld. He was a notorious villain in small cities because he experimented on humans.


    The Doc was interested in Skyler since he saw a video of the boy awakening a 1-star potential online two years ago. But he let it go because the kid didn¡¯t seem special. Yet, his interest was rekindled again when he noticed Skyler in the preliminary test.


    "I was going to get the blue-eyed boy from his home, but unlike your target, his parents are powerful. We need to be cautious."


    She nodded. Then the two villains vanished and entered 4th Nowan High silently.

 Chapter 50: Last day in College II

    Skyler entered the college building and, ignoring the students, headed straight for the vice principal¡¯s office. He was here to remove his name from the college, and the VP handled those matters.


    He was about to knock when he saw that the door was open and multiple teachers, along with the old female principal, were gathered in the office, talking solemnly.


    Suddenly, one of the male teachers, dressed in a button-up shirt and slacks, raised his voice in anger.


    "The guild should do their job! I know the guild leader¡¯s son experienced something tragic, but that doesn¡¯t excuse them from their responsibilities! This situation won¡¯t just impact 4th Nowan High but also endanger countless students!"


    Another teacher beside him agreed.


    "We have asked the guild for help five times in the past month. Nowan City is small and has only one guild. But we can¡¯t waste more time. Let¡¯s contact another guild, or else the situation could become disastrous."


    Skyler frowned upon hearing the conversation. The teachers were obviously discussing his father¡¯s guild. But why?


    His visit to the college was unannounced, but he didn¡¯t expect to hear this. Moreover, they were all so engrossed in their talk that they didn¡¯t even notice his presence.


    His eyes widened when he heard what the vice principal, a bearded man, said next.


    "Let¡¯s calm down. A small dimensional field has appeared in the college, but it has been dormant. As long as no one among us uses a dense concentration of Evol in the vicinity, it won¡¯t activate. I will call the guild one last time. If they don¡¯t come to help, I will reach out to a guild from outside the city. It will cost a lot, but that¡¯s the only choice left." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler stepped back, his mind racing.


    ¡¯Dimensional fields¡¯, they are natural Evol fields that materialize in different locations on the day each year when those eligible to participate in the preliminary test of Battle Royal are teleported. But this occurrence is very rare. So much so that only one or two such fields appear each year in Eldoria.


    These fields can vary in size, from small to large enough to encompass an entire city.


    They appear completely dormant and can be easily destroyed by powerful Lights who can identify their weak links. However, if not destroyed in time, these dimensional fields absorb Evol from nearly everything nearby and function like teleportation portals that activate once they gather enough Evol.


    Once activated, these fields transport every living being on them into the nearest orange crystal, which then seals itself and can only be opened from the inside if the occupants can find and destroy the core that sustains the dimension the crystal leads to.


    Or when all the occupants die.


    Skyler recalled the memory of the previous timeline in which he had spent his 18th and 19th years with his parents. Just like now, a small dimensional field had appeared in 4th Nowan High, but since he never entered the Battle Royal in that timeline, his father¡¯s guild destroyed the field swiftly.


    ¡¯I need to contact dad...¡¯


    He didn¡¯t remember how he climbed the Throne of Spirits, but he recalled the 18th and 19th years he spent in Nowan City. He was about to take out his phone when a cold male voice echoed from behind.


    "What the hell are you blocking the way for? Step aside. I need to get into the office."


    Skyler was about to step aside, but the individual behind him roughly shoved him aside, causing him to stagger. The sudden noise alerted everyone in the office. The old female principal called out loudly.


    "Come inside! The two brats who are eavesdropping on the elders!"


    Skyler regained his footing and glared at the rude person who had just pushed him.


    The young man was the same height as him and wore a similar uniform. He had a pair of pitch-black, hazy eyes that exuded nothing but detachment and gray hair.


    "Why did you¡ª"


    Skyler couldn¡¯t even finish his words because the young man entered the office without giving him a second glance.


    "That little..."


    He groaned and followed behind as the principal shouted again for them to come in, or she would drag them in. Everyone in the office, furnished with sofas and a study table where the vice principal sat, fell silent upon seeing the two familiar students.


    Shocked to see them both alive, the vice principal, an old man, called out.


    "Skyler Ironhart, a talented 2nd year, and Charles Mahson, a 4th year student."


    The VP paused for a moment. In Eldoria, after school, all the colleges typically offer four years of education before students go on to find an organization or field they want to work in. The two young students in front of him were at the top of their year.


    "I am glad both of you... one who was teleported into Battle Royal and the other who disappeared for an entire month¡ªare safe and healthy. However, I believe it¡¯s not appropriate to eavesdrop the moment you return. So, what brought you two here?"


    The two answered together.


    "To withdraw my enrollment."


    Charles looked at Skyler with a frown, but this time it was his turn to be ignored since the person he had offended was very petty.


    The VP looked at the old female principal, who was observing the two boys.


    "I can understand why Skyler wants to leave, but Charles, this is your final year. With your excellent results, you can easily secure a job in any organization. So, why are you considering leaving? And... why have you been absent for a month?"


    Some teachers who recognized just how exceptional a student Charles was spoke up. They were already losing a top student like Skyler, so they couldn¡¯t afford to lose another. But he stepped back.


    "I would like to remain silent. It doesn¡¯t matter if the college removes my name or not since I won¡¯t be coming back starting tomorrow. I am only here to inform you."


    He turned and headed for the exit of the office, only to pause when Skyler began to speak to the old female principal.


    "I heard about the Dimensional Field. I will inform my father about this. The guild will take care of it, so there¡¯s no need to worry."


    The VP and the principal nodded, relieved. The teachers shared the sentiment. Finally, they had heard some good news. They were losing two good students, but at least the danger would be addressed. The VP stood up and smiled at the young man.


    "Then we thank you."


    Skyler shook his head.


    "No need for thanks. This is my responsibility as a Light of Eldoria to help others. Now, I shall take my leave so I can contact the guild as soon as possible."


    He turned and saw Charles standing in front of the exit with his back to him. Skyler ignored him and left the office. Only then did the young man move and follow him.


    Coincidentally, they both left the college building together. The classes had begun, so no students were loitering around.


    Skyler had called his father and was discussing the Dimensional Field while walking when he saw Charles pass by him heading toward the college¡¯s main gates.


    He wasn¡¯t focused on him, but suddenly he sensed a powerful attack made of dense Evol approaching Charles from the side.


    "Be careful!"


    He shouted, and Charles, who had also sensed the attack and was ready to evade it, was knocked off his feet when he leaped forward to help him. They rolled to the side, and chains of fire enveloped the spot where Charles had stood just moments ago.


    The ground trembled as dust and debris erupted into the air. Two figures, a woman dressed in complete red and a man with yellow teeth, emerged from the dust.


    Dread clicked his tongue loudly.


    "You missed your target, Scar."

 Chapter 51: Last day in College III

    Charles quickly spat out the dust that had entered his mouth and threw Skyler off his body, a vein throbbing on his forehead. He was a 5-star Light, so he could have easily evaded the fire chains if only he had not been knocked off his feet!


    "Are you crazy?!"


    That was his question, but the question from the person with blue eyes staring at him was different.


    "Are you okay?"


    Charles was left speechless, and Skyler finally registered his words.


    "Yeah, I am crazy! That¡¯s why I saved you! Do you have a problem with that?"


    He sensed another powerful attack and quickly moved in a different direction.


    This time, he kicked Charles to send him away. He could have pushed him as well like any sane person would, but he just wanted to kick him since he was crazy.


    Charles¡¯s dark eyes trembled as he clenched his stomach with a groan. His cold voice finally cracked.


    "You! Even my stepmother has never hit me so badly! Are you helping me or killing me?"


    Skyler sprang to his feet and sneered.


    "Of course. I am saving you."


    His eyes finally locked onto the two figures who had walked out from the dust: a middle aged woman clad in red, her face covered in makeup, and a thin man with yellowed teeth who looked as if he hadn¡¯t eaten in months.


    "Who are you two? Why did you..."


    Skyler pointed at Charles, who had also gotten to his feet and was glaring at him.


    "...attack him? Did he offend you? Instead of fighting, how about you three talk?"


    Dread laughed at his words. This kid was so naive. It would be so much fun to watch him break when Doc conducted inhumane experiments on him.


    He shook his middle finger with a grin, revealing more of his yellowed teeth.


    "Boy, we did not just attack him; we attacked you as well! Why? The answer is simple: because we are bad people here to kidnap you and the youth with you. So, how about this: you two come with us willingly, and we will make the trip painless."


    Charles¡¯s eyes widened. He quickly took in the entire appearance of the two individuals again and instinctively spoke.


    "Villains!"


    The woman in red, Scar, tilted her head in his direction with a raised brow.


    "Quite Sharp. Aren¡¯t we?"


    Charles gritted his teeth. He couldn¡¯t get captured by the villains! Not when he had already suffered enough in his life! His gaze traveled toward the college building. Alright, he just needed to create enough noise to attract the teachers nearby for help. As if reading his thoughts, Scar chuckled.


    "No use, boy. This man next to me can manipulate the space element and has a skill that covers an area completely, so no one can hear what is happening inside. Therefore, no matter how much you scream, no one will come to help."


    Skyler was the one who answered her. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then we will run to leave this area!"


    He glanced toward Charles, and both of them ran off in different directions, only to discover that there was a barrier stopping them. Scar appeared behind Skyler.


    "Oh, did I forget to mention... the skill used not just stops noises from going out of the covered area but also locks it completely?"


    Skyler turned back. He noticed Charles battling the man with yellowed teeth, only to be sent flying away. He could tell that Charles wasn¡¯t weak from the way he used Evol, yet he still lost so easily. Skyler was at the initial stage of 4-star, and he couldn¡¯t sense Scar and Dread¡¯s auras, so he knew the two were far stronger than him.


    He raised his hand, not really in the mood to get beaten up black and blue.


    "Actually, how about we negotiate¡ª"


    His words were interrupted when Scar attacked him with the familiar chains of fire.


    He dodged the chains, but the flames caught his arm, scorching his sleeve and skin, causing him to hiss and curse.


    "Shit! I really don¡¯t like pain!"


    Sweat rolled down his forehead as he quickly distanced himself from the woman.


    A short distance away, Charles wiped the crimson blood clinging to his chin and lips and jumped to his feet before shouting.


    "Let¡¯s attack together!"


    Skyler understood his words and swiftly channeled his Evol into his leg to enhance his speed and get closer to him. In no time, the two stood side by side.


    Scar and Dread watched them with amusement dancing in their crinkled eyes. They stood at a short distance, waiting for the two boys¡¯ next moves. They could easily capture them, knowing that Skyler was just at the initial stage of 4-star and Charles at 5-star, but they liked the sight of their prey struggling before they kidnapped them.


    Skyler suddenly raised his voice with a reluctant expression on his grim face.


    "I don¡¯t want to reveal this. I really don¡¯t..."


    His words piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity, and his face looked as if he truly didn¡¯t want to share what he was about to.


    Still, he finished his sentence.


    "I don¡¯t know why you want to kidnap me. But I¡¯m actually the grandson of the current Queen. If you two harm me, know that the consequences won¡¯t be good for you."


    His voice was firm with no fluctuations. Charles¡¯s lips fell open in silent shock.


    Scar and Dread were astonished as well, but then the two burst into mock laughter, thinking he was bluffing to intimidate them. Why on earth would the Queen¡¯s grandson be living in a small city instead of the Royal Palace if this kid was telling the truth?


    Hearing them laugh, Charles took a step away from Skyler. Sure, this boy wasn¡¯t sane in the head, and it wasn¡¯t his fault. After all, who would believe his big claim? If he were truly the Queen¡¯s grandson, many powerful guards would be protecting him instead of letting him roam around on his own.

 Chapter 52: Last day in College IV

    Skyler¡¯s eyebrow twitched. Were his good looks not enough for them to believe him?


    He noticed when Charles took a small step away from him, but he wasn¡¯t finished yet.


    "My parents are also powerful figures in Nowan City. Do you really think you could get away with harming their only son?"


    Charles took another step away from him, thinking Skyler was so young but had lost it. Which idiot would flaunt their status when they were in a dangerous situation?


    Scar couldn¡¯t stop laughing, thoroughly amused by his words. Dread was the one who spoke to the ash-brown-haired boy.


    "So what? Once you are kidnapped, not even the Queen... pfff, I mean your grandma can do anything. Your background has no value since everyone is the same to us."


    Skyler clicked his tongue.


    "This always works in movies, where rich people use their status to escape danger. But I guess that only applies to movies."


    He shook his head, a familiar spear appearing in his hand, ready to fight. In reality, he was buying time until Johnson Ironhart, who would have heard what had happened here through the ongoing phone call he was on when Charles was abruptly attacked, could come to their rescue.


    Skyler had deliberately tossed his phone nearby when he jumped to help Charles so the call would stay connected.


    "I thought knowing my background would lead to a negotiation about what you want from us in exchange for letting us go. But what did I even expect from villains? They never know what¡¯s best for themselves."


    Seeing the gleaming spear he had taken from his storage ring, greed flashed in the eyes of the two villains.


    Even Charles was surprised. He could tell that the spear was an Epic-tier weapon.


    Not many possessed such powerful weapons in small cities like Nowan City.


    To make it even more enchanting, the gleam of the gray spear clearly indicated that it belonged to the unique category!


    Just how did Skyler get his hands on a weapon that could cost a fortune?


    Scar licked her lips, her eyes sparkling.


    "Playtime¡¯s over. I want that spear!"


    Dread grinned evilly.


    "Then let¡¯s end this!"


    They both channeled their Evol, and Skyler and Charles were ready to fight. But just as the two conjured powerful spells with Evol, the ground beneath them began to tremble.


    Dread looked down at the shaking ground with a sense of unease. Instantly, his eyes glowed as he expanded his senses.


    "What is going on?"


    Scar was equally perplexed and quickly broadened her senses to discern why the earth was shaking when they could not detect any presence in the vicinity.


    Unlike them, Skyler and Charles, who knew what was about to happen, turned pale.


    Charles shouted in horror.


    "The dimensional field was in front of the college building???"


    Skyler lunged at the two villains.


    "Stop using your Evol, you idiots!"


    He managed to injure Scar¡¯s arm as the villains were too shocked by their words.


    Then Dread moved with lightning-fast speed and delivered a brutal kick to his stomach. His body collided with Charles, who wasn¡¯t able to move away in time, and both of them were thrown back together.


    Scar clutched her bleeding arm and screamed with all her might.


    "Run!!!"


    Dread didn¡¯t need her to shout to understand that they would face dire consequences if they didn¡¯t escape.


    However, it was too late.


    The spells the two had conjured earlier dissipated into thin air at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the Evol vanished into the earth below. In the next instant, a gray light erupted from the ground, shaking the entire 4th Nowan High building.


    Skyler and Charles clenched their jaws and tried their best to crawl away, but the light enveloped them in no time.


    Unfortunately for the four standing above the dimensional field, but fortunately for 4th Nowan High, the field was very small.


    As a result, only the four individuals within the empty college grounds¡ªwho were also responsible for activating the field¡ªwere the only ones who were teleported away.


    Maybe a few unlucky small flies, grasshoppers, and mosquitoes in the area were dragged into it, but that was all. After the light vanished, the land where the field activated ruptured, and cracks formed in it before everything fell silent.


    The students attending classes in the college building either gasped or grabbed their desks when the building shook. They looked out of the windows to discover the cause, but by the time they glanced outside, everything was already over. Still, that didn¡¯t stop them from recording the aftermath on their phones and posting it on Star-Net.


    The VP and the female principal hurriedly walked out of the college building along with several teachers, their faces grim.


    The principal shouted.


    "The dimensional field has activated for some reason! Count our students and ensure that all of them are okay!"


    The teachers quickly scattered. Suddenly, the principal detected some movement at the back of the college building.


    She approached the area, only to find a group of unruly students who frequently skipped classes to smoke or bully other students, trembling in fear. It seemed they had witnessed the activation of the field and were deeply traumatized. Now, they would never skip classes again.


    The principal sighed and called for a teacher, who arrived in no time.


    "Take them to the infirmary, and when they are stable, speak with them to find out if they saw anyone vanish with the field."


    The teacher complied with the request.


    The VP and principal were about to return to their office to discuss their next actions, knowing that the media would soon learn about the incident that occurred at the top college of Nowan City, when a sleek car suddenly sped through the main gate.


    It parked in front of the college building on the right side of the ruptured and cracked land, and Johnson stepped out from the driver¡¯s seat, clad in a dark combat suit.


    He was about to enter a gray crystal when Skyler called him to inform him about the dimensional field, and he immediately left the guild upon hearing his son shout.


    Soon after, faint sounds of laughter and fighting began to come through the phone, and then the call was cut off abruptly.


    He had tried calling Robert, who was supposed to watch over Skyler and ensure his safety, but the man wasn¡¯t responding. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a dark expression, Johnson used a detection skill to locate Skyler in the college but couldn¡¯t find his presence. The guards at the gate surrounded him since his car had entered the college without permission, but the VP showed up and stopped them.


    Johnson glanced at the elderly man he and Riya had met last year at the parent-teacher meeting and went straight to the point.


    "Have you seen Skyler? His last known location was here, but now his phone is turned off, so I can¡¯t track him or call him."

 Chapter 53: Was I too late?

    The VP¡¯s eyes widened upon hearing Johnson¡¯s words, and a bad premonition dawned on him. His expression turned grim as he folded his hands behind his back and glanced at the female principal standing beside him before replying honestly.


    "This is very serious. If Skyler is currently unreachable, there is only one conclusion: he has disappeared due to the dimensional field that activated here a while ago."


    Johnson¡¯s expression hardened. He was shocked. Why does his son seem to get into so much danger lately?


    "A dimensional field?"


    He finally turned his gaze to the section of ruptured and cracked land on his right that he had previously overlooked since he didn¡¯t sense any Evol. So, that¡¯s why such a large part of the college grounds was damaged. The dimensional field had likely absorbed all the Evol used or present in that area.


    "Why has such a dangerous and important matter not been reported to the guild?" S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The VP stared at him silently. It was the old female principal who stepped forward and answered him with a grave expression.


    "We have reported this matter many times, as we know that the abrupt appearance of a field of any size is disastrous. However, we have yet to receive any response."


    She hoped Skyler would return alive. But it was true that the kid had ended up in such a situation because the urgent issue of the field hadn¡¯t been resolved earlier. This could have jeopardized the entire college.


    Johnson rubbed his forehead. It seemed that his decision to use the guild Lights to look for Skyler in the broadcasts was the reason the other leader of the guild hadn¡¯t managed all the important matters. As a result, many requests were put on hold.


    "Then, I apologize for the guild¡¯s unresponsiveness. But it¡¯s impossible for Skyler¡¯s Evol to activate the field, no matter how small it may be, as he isn¡¯t very strong. During the call, I heard sounds of fighting, which indicates that he was attacked, and he wasn¡¯t the only one targeted, as I also heard another young voice alongside his."


    He took matters into his own hands and asked the VP to identify which other male student, along with Skyler, had vanished so they could inform that student¡¯s family. He also inspected the cracked area where the dimensional field had been activated.


    Johnson¡¯s jaw tightened with a headache when he found Skyler¡¯s broken phone.


    He sighed deeply and called the second leader of the guild. The call was answered, and he went straight to the point.


    "Loyd, help me find which orange crystal near 4th Nowan High has sealed itself."


    A startled male voice responded.


    "What? Why would that happen?"


    Johnson looked at the cracked ground.


    "A dimensional field was activated at 4th Nowan High. It wasn¡¯t large, but Skyler and another student got swept into it."


    "What??? Your son again???"


    "Just help me find the sealed crystal."


    Loyd grimaced loudly. He knew that once activated, these fields transport every living being standing above them to the nearest orange crystal, which seals itself and can only be opened from the inside.


    "Damn, I¡¯m not sure if I should say it¡¯s fortunate that all the crystals in Nowan City are either Novice or Epic tier. However, why did Skyler get involved in this mess? Why was the field that was dormant activated? Find the reason before coming back."


    Johnson walked toward his car.


    "I know the reason. I believe he and the student with him were attacked by villains since Robert is missing. Track his phone and send someone to look for him."


    A sigh came from the other side.


    "Your son sure is attracting a lot of trouble lately, like a damn magnet. It¡¯s not like he even has anything of value on him... But why are you so calm this time?"


    Johnson settled into the car, wondering if the gems and crystals his son had counted as valuable, and then chuckled softly.


    "Skyler is not weak. He spent thirty days in that treacherous place and came back. So, how is it possible for him to fall now?"


    "Haha, you are right. Anyway, I will make sure this news doesn¡¯t spread. Your son is already famous; we wouldn¡¯t want him attracting more unwanted attention."


    The call disconnected. In the evening, Johnson and Riya stood on the rooftop of a building, facing the floating orange crystal, twice the size of a human. Stairs had been created to reach it, but it had sealed itself, preventing anyone from entering.


    Riya murmured with a grim expression.


    "Fortunately, it is a Novice tier crystal."


    They were worried, but unlike the last time, they weren¡¯t panicked and were quite calm.


    As long as Skyler avoided the villains who attacked him and found and destroyed the core of the crystal, he would find an exit.


    As for the other student with him, they had discovered his identity. But his mother, who answered the call, ended the conversation by saying, ¡¯Whatever, it¡¯s not like we care.¡¯


    Loyd, dressed in a dark combat suit, arrived behind the couple. He was a good-looking man with a tall and muscular build.


    "Tsk, you two. I will place a Light here to keep an eye on this crystal. Many crystals in the city need immediate clearance. We need to clear them before any of them turn red, shatter, and spawn monsters."


    "Let¡¯s go!"


    Johnson and his wife were in combat suits, so they nodded. Suddenly, Riya asked.


    "Why hasn¡¯t the crystal where Sky was transported been cleared for so long that it turned orange? Usually, Novice tier crystals are cleared by public Lights. We just need to handle the Epic tiers."


    Loyd stopped in his tracks. He looked nervous, but he didn¡¯t hide anything.


    "Well, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true or not. But a public Lights team that entered this crystal reported seeing a massive white snake with red eyes inside the dimension. No one died, but since the team was gravely injured, the guild prohibited the public from entering. I was supposed to clear this crystal, but who knew this would happen."


    Riya¡¯s brows knitted together.


    "A white snake...?"


    ***


    In a different part of Nowan City, far from the scene, a young man in casual clothes, with short dark hair and striking silver eyes, scanned his surroundings.


    "Why isn¡¯t he back yet? Was I too late?"


    Zack frowned as he glanced back at the old, worn-out two-story house behind him. He had left the academy and arrived here via the quickest route available, which was ¡¯teleportation portals¡¯ created by the space elementist at a hefty price.


    Only to find just one person: Charles Mahson. A villain from the early part of the book ¡¯Fate of Eldoria,¡¯ who fell in love with one of the protagonist¡¯s harem members due to the kindness she showed him when he was kicked out of his house. Only to die a miserable death at her hands.


    "His involvement in the story was minor, and Max never met him. However, he was one of the few characters I sympathized with in the book, so I didn¡¯t want him to die at the hands of that two-faced, insane witch."


    Zack muttered and reserved a hotel near Charles¡¯s home to wait. However, even after nightfall and into the next day, the person he was waiting for never showed up.

 Chapter 54: First Dimension I

    Unaware of what was happening outside, about an hour after the dimensional field activated, Charles¡¯s eyelashes trembled when he heard some faint noises.


    His eyes fluttered open, and he turned toward the noise with a dazed expression, momentarily forgetting what had happened before he fainted. His heart nearly stopped when he saw the sight before him.


    He was lying at the edge of a cliff with nothing but dark clouds below. Just an inch more ahead, and he would have plummeted down, never to open his eyes again. With a pounding heart, he moved back.


    Charles sighed and wiped his forehead when he was far away from the cliff. The memory of what had happened before he fainted rushed back to him, and he stood up to absorb everything.


    Above him was a clear sky with three suns, and behind him loomed a dense coniferous forest. It appeared he was standing at the boundary of the orange crystal where the dimensional field had transported him.


    This place was different from Eldoria, where only one sun rose and set.


    The dimensions and realms inside the crystals in Eldoria were typically not vast and consisted only of sections of the other worlds they were connected to, surrounded by boundaries that could be cliffs, seas, walls, or anything without an end.


    "How am I going to leave this place...?"


    He spoke with a defeated expression because, as someone who held no value within his family, unlike his half-brother, he didn¡¯t possess a storage ring, much less an expensive weapon to protect himself.


    Charles bit his nails and would have continued to do so if he hadn¡¯t heard the faint noise that woke him up again. It was coming from below the cliff. He hesitantly moved closer to the edge and peered down, only to gasp when he saw Skyler clinging to the sloped surface like a lizard.


    One of the ash-brown-haired boy¡¯s feet rested on a protruding rock while the other dangled awkwardly. Gripping a nearby rock tightly with one hand, he was doing his best to reach a gleaming crystal-like red-purple flower that was growing on another jutting rock on the cliffside with his other hand.


    Sensing his shadow, Skyler looked up. Charles¡¯s dark eyes trembled. He felt fear instead of the youth dangling in a place where, if he fell, he would die! He quickly extended his hand to pull him up.


    "Are you out of your mind?? What the hell are you doing down there?? Come up! The cliff has no end in sight! There¡¯s nothing but darkness and white clouds below! It¡¯s the boundary of this dimension! If you fall, death is the least of your worries!"


    Sweat rolled down Skyler¡¯s forehead as he glanced at the hand extended toward him.


    "Hmm, could you pass me a tree branch first? I need to get the pretty flower..."


    Charles¡¯s mouth fell open.


    His eyes traveled to the flower.


    "You¡¯re really crazy, aren¡¯t you? Is that flower more important than your life?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler blinked at him. He had woken up before Charles. They were teleported to the same place since they were together when the field activated, but when he awoke and looked around, he discovered the flower.


    He tried his best; he truly did, he swore. However, the flower was calling to him, luring him with its crystal-like radiance. So, despite his efforts to suppress his desire, he somehow found himself reaching for it.


    "Will you believe me if I say this is different from what you are seeing? This flower has enchanting properties that controlled me!"


    Of course, he was trying to bullshit his way out. But Charles wasn¡¯t 505. How could he be so easily fooled? He deadpanned.


    "I will not."


    Skyler chuckled nervously. Now that someone had loudly pointed out how dangerous his situation was, he finally realized he shouldn¡¯t have done what he did. He looked down and felt scared.


    His eyes snapped toward Charles.


    "Help me up, okay?"


    "You can take this flower."


    Charles¡¯s dark eyes flickered with amusement, and he chuckled. He knew he shouldn¡¯t feel that way, especially not when someone was hanging on death¡¯s door.


    He usually remained composed, but this youth had caused him to lose his calm so many times in just a single day.


    He bent down and stared at Skyler.


    "Okay, get me that flower then."


    Skyler¡¯s eyes widened.


    "Are you crazy?? How can I...."


    He shut his mouth when he realized it was he who had gone ahead and put himself in this situation. Who was he to call someone else crazy when he was the crazy one?


    Charles extended his hand again.


    "Come up, idiot. I was joking."


    Skyler quickly grabbed his hand, and Charles used his wind elemental power to push him from below and pull him up. Both of them collapsed to the ground, panting once he was finally back up the cliff.


    Charles stared at the clear sky.


    "At least I¡¯m not alone here."


    Skyler didn¡¯t focus on his words; he was glancing down the cliff at the flower.


    "Should we try again?"


    He was met with a glare and could only cast one last reluctant glance at the flower, as if he were parting with a lover.


    Charles laughed at his antics; he hadn¡¯t laughed this much in a long time.


    "You are freaking weird."


    They both stood up, dusted off their clothes, and glanced at the forest. Skyler extended his hand toward Charles.


    "I didn¡¯t introduce myself properly before. My name is Skyler Ironhart. I turned 18 this year. An initial 4-star Light elementist. Let¡¯s work together to get out of here."


    Charles glanced at his hand.


    "Are you asking to be friends?"


    Skyler rolled his eyes. Hadn¡¯t he already made it clear with his actions that he wanted peace between them?


    He replied sarcastically.


    "No, I¡¯m asking you to be my employee."


    Charles¡¯s eyebrows twitched. He didn¡¯t like making friends, especially because people who learned about his background and life always looked at him with pity.


    "That¡¯s actually better than being a friend. You have to pay me, though."


    He shook Skyler¡¯s hand.


    "Charles Mahson. I am 20, an initial 5-star Wind, Earth, Fire, and Lightning elementist. But I can only use the Wind element since I haven¡¯t formed the crystals for the rest."


    Skyler¡¯s eyes widened.


    "A quadruple elementist?? Then hiring you is gonna be costly. Tsk."


    He suddenly looked him up and down.


    "You are 20? Two years older than me. So, why are you the same height as me?"


    A vein throbbed on Charles¡¯s forehead.


    This bastard, he was short himself, and he was calling others short??


    "You have a problem?"


    "No, I actually don¡¯t."

 Chapter 55: First Dimension II

    Skyler walked alongside Charles as they entered the forest. When they were at the boundary of the dimension, they didn¡¯t see any beasts since creatures in the crystals usually do not roam near the boundary.


    They both were in their college uniforms, but due to everything that had happened, their uniforms were torn in several places and stained with dried blood.


    Their steps were cautious. After all, they not only had to be careful of the monsters in the dimension but also of the two villains who had arrived through the field.


    To make matters worse, although they knew they were in an orange crystal, it was uncertain which tier crystal it was, as well as what types of monsters they would see here and how strong they might be.


    Skyler held the silver spear firmly in his hand, his gaze sharp. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t lose this precious weapon and had put it in his storage ring in time. Yet, even after a while, they did not see any monsters.


    "Isn¡¯t an orange crystal supposed to be swarming with monsters and on the verge of turning red and breaking to release them into the outside world? So, why is it so calm here? It¡¯s almost as if..."


    Charles completed his words.


    "...the monsters are either hiding, dead, or have gathered together somewhere."


    His face was grim as he looked around.


    "It¡¯s impossible for an orange crystal to have no monsters in it. If that were true, it would have turned gray or white to show that. This only means one thing: they are being controlled by something stronger."


    Skyler agreed with his words.


    "Perhaps it¡¯s this crystal¡¯s boss monster? It is the strongest being within the crystal and can control all the weaker monsters."


    They glanced at each other, surprised at how well they were coordinating. Charles¡¯s impression of him improved a tiny bit.


    "You are quite knowledgeable."


    "That¡¯s to be expected. After all, I have always been the top in my class."


    Charles¡¯s impression of him dropped more than it had just increased. He was just too unnecessarily cocky, even though he knew that the person walking next to him was also a top student in his year.


    He changed the topic.


    "How about we locate the boss monster¡¯s chamber in this place? We have to destroy the dimension¡¯s core in it to get out of here. The two villains will be looking for it as well to leave before anyone knows about them, so we can hide and let them do the work."


    Skyler was actually considering the same thing as him. Who knows how strong the boss monster might be? It would be wiser to let the enemies take charge and fight.


    They both sped up through the trees, looking for the boss monster¡¯s chamber that every dimension in the crystals has. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the thicker and quieter it became.


    Skyler squinted to see further.


    "The entrance to the boss monster¡¯s chamber should be easy to spot, as it is always marked by a prominent indicator above it in ancient letters or symbols."


    Charles already knew this. It was quite surprising how they both possessed so much knowledge about the crystals even though they hadn¡¯t joined any academy.


    This was simply because they both had studied everything available to them in the past two years. One, who had awakened as a 1-star Light, wanted to drown his sorrow in study. The other had to prepare for the preliminary test without any support.


    Charles looked at Skyler¡¯s sleeve, which was burned by the fire from the skill Scar used. However, all of his burned skin had healed, leaving not even a mark behind. He instinctively clutched his stomach with a grimace. He was injured too.


    "You healed your injuries with the Light element? Can you heal mine too?"


    Skyler could only smile awkwardly.


    "I don¡¯t know any healing spells."


    "Are you kidding me right now? The language of the spells is difficult, but even those with no brains can learn at least one basic spell after forming their first crystal."


    Skyler looked at him, surprised. He didn¡¯t stop running and pointed at his nose.


    "Oho, you don¡¯t know me? I thought I was ¡¯quite¡¯ famous online in Nowan City."


    "No, I didn¡¯t have time to waste on trivial matters, as I was focused on preparing for the preliminary test over the past 4 years."


    Charles was lucky enough to be among those who were teleported inside a shelter surrounded by a barrier deep in the forest. As a result, he cleared the test easily.


    Skyler chuckled softly.


    "It¡¯s better that way. You cleared the preliminary test this time around? I did too. Unfortunately, we didn¡¯t meet there."


    Charles came to a halt and blurted out.


    "You cleared the test? How is that even possible?! You¡¯re only 18!"


    Skyler hushed him as the ground beneath them shook faintly, and the distant sounds of fighting echoed through the air.


    "Let¡¯s talk later."


    They both fell silent and quickly moved forward. Stopping just near the noises, they peeked through the gaps in the trees. Their eyes widened when they saw many giant red spiders surrounding both Dread and Scar, who were struggling against them.


    "1... 2... 20... 35 spiders!!"


    Skyler muttered. This was when they could clearly see multiple dead spiders in the area that the two villains had already killed!


    Charles gestured toward the tree the spiders were surrounding. It was larger than the rest, with a dark hole in its trunk. Above the hole, an ancient letter was engraved.


    "That¡¯s the boss chamber!"


    Their expressions turned grim. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Both villains were already gravely injured. Even though the spiders surrounding them were all 2-star, 3-star, 4-star, and 5-star, their numbers were too great. Any light would struggle against such a multitude.


    Charles turned away from the scene.


    "It seems the villains woke up earlier than us and arrived here. Let¡¯s do as planned. Given the strength of the spiders, it¡¯s clear we are in a Novice-tier crystal. The boss monster won¡¯t be stronger than 6-star or 7-star."


    Skyler suddenly felt conflicted. He hadn¡¯t killed anyone other than monsters yet. At least, not in this life. A white glint flashed in his blue eyes, making him feel terrible.


    "So, we just let them die?"


    Charles scoffed at his words. He didn¡¯t think Skyler was the noble type. He glanced at his hands; they were already stained with blood. He had killed a few humans in the test.


    "They are dark lights. Their nature is evil. Even if we helped them, they would kill us. So, don¡¯t you dare do anything stupid."


    He felt a chill when the youth standing beside him spoke again. Skyler¡¯s words were very faint, yet he heard them.


    "They should be chopped into pieces."


    "What did you say?"


    Skyler glanced at him, a bit confused.


    "I didn¡¯t say anything."


    Charles wanted to argue but shut his mouth. Perhaps he misheard? His frown deepened.


    Suddenly, he saw Skyler becoming agitated, evident from the restless tapping of his foot.


    "What¡¯s wrong with you?"


    "I don¡¯t know... I just feel like creating my second elemental crystal."


    "Now?? Are you insane?!"

 Chapter 56: First Dimension III

    "Die, you bastard!"


    Scar screamed as the chains of fire coiling around her arms surged and ensnared one of the spiders that tried to lunge at her. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The chains tightened around the creature, making it cry out before the fire consumed it, leaving only a charred husk behind.


    She panted and gritted her teeth. Her beautiful crimson dress was torn in many places, revealing the bloodied injuries that marred her body. Her anger could only be directed at the man fighting beside her.


    "I am already low on Evol! I can¡¯t fight for long! This is all your fault. If only we had captured those two students instead of wasting time uselessly... Ugh!"


    Her words were cut short when three more spiders attacked her, their eyes glowing as they unleashed earth elemental attacks.


    "Shit! Do something, or we¡¯re both going to die under this swarm of spiders before we even enter the boss chamber!"


    Dread cursed under his breath. His state was no better. As a space elementist, his skills and spells were limited since space was one of the rarest elements.


    "Shut the hell up! Why are you always yapping nonstop? Focus on fighting!"


    His eyes scanned the spiders before him; there were still more than twenty, even after they had killed so many. To make the scene worse, he could see that more spiders were converging in the area to fight them, as if all the crystal spiders were being summoned to protect the boss monster¡¯s chamber.


    "Something is very wrong in this crystal. The boss monster can control all the weak monsters, but even before we arrived here, it had already summoned many spiders to guard its chamber gate. Boss monsters in Novice-tier crystals aren¡¯t this intelligent!"


    Skyler and Charles were taken aback by his words. They had been observing everything for the past few hours, and Dread was right.


    Charles glanced at Skyler¡¯s agitated face. He was the one who had stopped him from forming his second elemental crystal.


    They were in a dire situation. Who knows how long it would take for Skyler to create another crystal? The process was perilous, so what if they were attacked during that time? It could seriously endanger him.


    "Can you lend me your weapon? I have a powerful skill I can use with it. We need to stay alert and prepared."


    Hearing him, Skyler glanced at him. He didn¡¯t want to part with his weapon, but he injected some of his Evol into it to summon it back at any time and handed it to him.


    "It¡¯s very precious to me, so you need to take care of it and return it just as it is."


    Charles¡¯s eyebrow twitched. He examined the gray spear; it was undeniably powerful. So, he couldn¡¯t help but spin it around.


    "You are a spear user?"


    "Not really."


    Charles deadpanned. If he wasn¡¯t, then why did he waste so much money on it?


    "So why do you have only a spear and no other weapon with you?"


    "Got it as a gift. Hehe."


    There was silence for a moment.


    Charles seriously considered stealing the weapon if Skyler intended to let it gather dust in the future and not put it to use.


    They were startled when Dread cried out. They turned back, only to find him using a significant amount of space Evol to create a bridge leading to the boss¡¯s chamber.


    Dread spat out blood, his legs giving out, but Scar grabbed his waist, pulled his arm over her neck, and quickly climbed onto the bridge, sprinting toward the boss chamber.


    Chains of fire erupted from her entire body, sending all the approaching spiders flying before she quickly slid into the dark hole in the tree trunk leading to the boss chamber.


    This all unfolded so rapidly that the two youths watching couldn¡¯t react in time.


    Skyler took a deep breath.


    "Space element can be utilized this way as well? What an incredibly useful skill!"


    Charles cursed and stood up.


    "Damn it! They entered the boss chamber without defeating all the monsters! Get up! We need to get in there before they destroy the dimension core and open the exit!"


    Skyler sprang to his feet, and without hesitation, they charged at the spiders.


    Now they have no choice but to fight!


    Destroying a dimension¡¯s core cuts the crystal¡¯s connection to their world. When that small link breaks, either by destroying the core or when the red crystal shatters, the dimension returns to its own world.


    If they don¡¯t escape when the dimension¡¯s core shatters and an exit portal is opened, they will be thrown into the realm to which this dimension belongs alongside it!


    This is how Skyler from the previous timeline reached the Realm of Spirits when he was hurled into the rift that was created for a short time to spawn all the beasts in the red Epic-tier crystal that shattered.


    Charles wielded the spear. Sharp wind currents swirled around its surface as he attacked the spiders. They cried out, but he easily killed two of them, taking advantage of the factor of surprise in his assault.


    Skyler¡¯s fists glowed as he channeled his Evol and sprinted toward Charles, striking the nearest spider. The creature screeched and was sent skidding back.


    "Run toward the boss chamber!"


    He shouted, punching another spider his size that attacked him with its legs, only to hiss as his fist struck its hard exterior.


    The sky above the forest had darkened slightly, the three suns were fading, leaving an orange hue to witness their struggle as they ran toward the boss chamber, fending off the numerous giant crimson spiders that nearly buried them beneath.


    Charles¡¯s eyes trembled when a nearby spider stabbed his shoulder with its leg. Blood splattered from the wound, and his vision turned hazy. He thought maybe this was his end... what a pathetic end. He had not even achieved anything. It would have been better if he were a villain...


    Skyler slapped the back of his head with gritted teeth to keep him conscious before grabbing the spider leg that had stabbed his shoulder and yanking it out. Charles¡¯s eyes dilated at the agony that followed, but this was enough to snap him out of his haze.


    He watched as Skyler punched the spider away with all his strength and shouted.


    "Idiot! If you don¡¯t know how to use the weapon, why did you take it from me?"

 Chapter 57: First Dimension IV

    Skyler snatched the spear from him and pushed him toward the boss chamber while drawing the spiders¡¯ attention by spinning the spear and creating a whirlwind.


    "Run! I don¡¯t want to lose the first good friend I made after so long!"


    The spiders screeched as he abruptly stopped and, with a graceful circular arc, slashed at all the nearest spiders.


    Skyler¡¯s eyes quivered when a 4-star spider attacked him from the side with its forelegs shrouded in the darkness element. He knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to block the attack, so he decided to protect his vitals.


    But Charles intercepted the strike with his bare hands and shouted at him.


    "Who are you calling a fool?! We¡¯re going together, idiot! Or we¡¯re not going at all!"


    The dark hue creeping into Skyler¡¯s gaze dissipated upon hearing his words.


    The sudden urge to create his second elemental crystal faded along with it.


    He chuckled mirthfully. Charles had the chance to leave him behind, just like Jenny and Zack had. This time, he would not have even minded since Charles was injured and he was the one who had asked him to go.


    "Then let¡¯s fight these bugs together!"


    They both didn¡¯t hold back their strength and fought the giant spiders while moving toward the boss chamber entrance.


    Skyler threw the spear in his hand, and it arced through the air, killing a giant spider by puncturing its head before returning to him under his ¡¯object manipulation¡¯ skill, as he had injected it with his Evol.


    The spear, glowing with a golden light, punctured through the body of another spider lunging toward him before he seized it once more. Dark blood spattered on him, and he grimaced at the foul odor.


    "Not good! It¡¯s not extreme, but my clean freak side is waking up! Let¡¯s move. Hurry!"


    Charles had another matter to address.


    "Liar! Why did you say you aren¡¯t a spear user when you are so proficient with it??"


    "What, really? But I never trained with it."


    Charles wanted to laugh at him. He was definitely lying again! How could he be so skilled if he had never trained with it?


    He held his words for a later time as they moved toward the boss chamber entrance. By the time they reached it and jumped into the hole in the tree trunk, both of them were gravely injured and had lost all their Evol.


    The boss monster could emerge from its chamber, but all the weaker monsters in the dimension couldn¡¯t enter its chamber, and the reason was still unknown in Eldoria.


    The crystals began to appear after the Battle Royal descended on their universe. So, it was said that they were training areas for the Lights to gain combat experience.


    Thanks to that, at least now the duo didn¡¯t have to worry about the other spiders.


    It was also fortunate that Dread and Scar had yet to break the dimension¡¯s core.


    Skyler and Charles were surrounded by darkness for a few seconds as they glided down a large, dark tunnel.


    The moment they were ejected from the other end of the dark hole, Charles landed directly on Skyler¡¯s back, causing the youth to crash face-first into the ground.


    "Shit! Get up! I think I broke my nose!"


    Charles quickly shifted and intended to apologize, a bit confused about why he was the one who ended up landing on him when Skyler was clearly the one who entered the boss chamber first. But before he could, a familiar gray screen flashed before them.


    Unlike the systems they got in the Battle Royal, this screen was more like a prompt.


    _______


    You have entered the chamber of the novice-tier crystal lone boss monster, the Giant Crimson Venom Spider.


    Defeat the spider to randomly get any of the below rewards:


    - A Novice-tier skill book (rare)


    - A Novice-tier spell scroll (rare)


    - A Novice-tier venom sack


    - A Novice-tier web trap


    - A Novice-tier spider silk cloak (rare)


    - A Novice-teir crafting material


    The drop rate depends on the rarity of the items. The rewards will spawn when the boss is dead. Anyone can pick them up.


    _______


    Skyler rubbed his nose as he stared at the screen that vanished a few seconds later.


    "Seeing this familiar screen, which is said to appear in every boss chamber when one enters, I guess it¡¯s true that these crystals are related to the Battle Royal."


    Charles agreed with him and helped him stand up despite his injured shoulder.


    "This is why all the rulers in Eldoria don¡¯t allow Lights to shatter the crystals¡¯ cores, even though the dangerous crystals vanish the moment someone breaks their cores."


    He was right. The dimensions or realms within the monster-filled crystals provide valuable resources, including mines rich in Evol ores and crystals that run technology, as well as skills, spells, crafting materials, and even the remains of fallen monsters.


    All of this sustains the economy of all Eldoria and also strengthens the Lights.


    However, since they are trapped in the crystal due to the dimensional field and have no other available options, they can shatter the core to escape this place. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler and Charles both moved forward toward the light they could see amidst the rocky structures around them. They were inside a vast underground chamber.


    Charler was pale and sweating profusely; he had lost too much blood from the injury on his shoulder, so he needed to leave this place as soon as possible. Skyler¡¯s injuries were less severe since his ¡¯self-healing¡¯ skill instinctively healed him, albeit slowly.


    A loud screeching noise echoed in the air, followed by the clear sounds of someone crashing into the rocks and screaming.


    They paused and hid themselves before peeking out from behind the rocks, doing their best to conceal their presence.


    Directly under the glowing area of the ceiling, Dread was fighting a giant spider that spewed venom and balls of darkness.


    The spider was seated on a large silk web encasing a fist-sized core, which powered this dimension and also had the ability to slowly conjure monsters in the dimension once they were killed by the Lights.


    Scar was lying in the distance amidst the rocks in a bloody mess, making it clear that it was her who had just been flung away.

 Chapter 58: First Dimension V

    Dread pushed the spider¡¯s legs away as they tried to stab him, and a web shot from its ugly mouth to ensnare him, followed by a ball of darkness. However, he rolled away with gritted teeth, panting heavily.


    "Why... ha... and how the hell did this boss spider get so strong?! A novice-tier crystal shouldn¡¯t have a 8-star monster, which is only present in adept-tier crystals!"


    Scar barely stumbled to her feet, her head bleeding. It was clear she couldn¡¯t fight any longer, but she still pushed forward.


    "We should have searched for those two students... sacrificed them... to escape!"


    Her voice came out very faint, and she began to cough up blood. She checked her storage ring and took out a vial of healing and a vial of fire Evol restoration potion.


    She drank them, but her condition didn¡¯t improve since they were novice-tier potions she had bought from the alchemist market.


    Dread called her for help.


    "Help me... The boss spider is almost dead. When we leave through the only exit, those two will suffer a fate worse than death!"


    Scar clenched her jaw in anger and hurriedly dragged her body forward to fight. As a villain, this was the first time she felt that she wasn¡¯t paid enough for this shit!


    Never in her life had kidnapping some weaklings turned into such a disaster!


    They once again engaged the spider, unaware that a pair of glowing red eyes was watching them intensely, filled with rage for intruding on its new territory.


    A large body slithered from behind the silk web, encasing the crystal core. The spider, sensing the presence, trembled but could do nothing but fight under its command, having grown so strong all thanks to it.


    Hiding behind a rocky structure, Skyler quickly ducked down when he accidentally met the many dark eyes of the spider.


    "Why is the boss monster of a Novice-tier crystal so strong? The villains are losing..."


    Charles, who was pressing his shoulder after Skyler took out a shirt he still had in his storage ring and tore it to bandage the wound, shook his head.


    His face was losing color, and his breath was growing increasingly shallow.


    "No... they won¡¯t. Stay ready; we need to jump into the portal that will be created once they shatter the crystal core."


    Skyler glanced at him, his eyes flickering with worry. If only he had a healing skill or spell, he could have healed him.


    When he came back from the preliminary test, he should have stocked his ring with more items. But he didn¡¯t, like an idiot. The things he had in his storage ring were all that he had obtained during the test.


    "Don¡¯t speak. You aren¡¯t fine."


    He took out a Light elemental stone from the many he had gathered during the test by killing monsters. His eyes were reluctant to part with it, but he still handed it to Charles. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Here... I¡¯m not sure if it would be useful, but press it against your wound. Maybe the golden Evol in this crystal will help you."


    Charles chuckled at him. He grabbed the elemental stone, wondering how Skyler had obtained it since finding them wasn¡¯t easy. After all, only one out of multiple monsters is able to form them outside their bodies.


    Unaware that 505 had worked hard to find monsters with elemental stones due to its host¡¯s obsession with gem-like objects.


    He was surprised when his pain lessened a bit after doing what Skyler had told him.


    Charles sighed as he stared into the air.


    "I have been through worse... this is nothing. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t die easily."


    Skyler moved to observe the villains.


    "Me too. Life isn¡¯t easy."


    His voice was faint, but Charles heard him. Perhaps it was because he was injured, but he found himself discussing things he had never talked about before.


    "Do you think it¡¯s wrong for someone to consider hurting their own family?"


    Skyler didn¡¯t look at him.


    "It depends on the reason. If they hurt you and you can¡¯t forgive them, then it¡¯s okay."


    He thought about Jenny... He had yet to figure out how he would act around her after what happened between them.


    But he knew he would forgive her if she came to him since she was his older sister. It¡¯s just that he wouldn¡¯t be able to love her the same way he did in the past. A scar had formed in their relationship, and he knew it would take time for that scar to heal.


    Charles closed his eyes at his words.


    "I feel the same way. After my mother¡¯s death, my father married another woman. Since then, my life has been a nightmare. I could endure going without food and being beaten until I was half-dead by that woman. But what made me miserable was that the man I called father never helped."


    Skyler finally turned to him. He didn¡¯t say anything and simply listened. Perhaps that was what Charles needed the most.


    "I... was actually not supposed to enter college. As you know, as long as one has awakened a potential of 15 stars or higher, invitations to join academies flock to their door, even if they are poor. A special pass to join the Starlight Academy without any test was sent to my door but..."


    He paused for a second.


    "Due to my stepmother... who feared I would surpass my younger stepbrother, my father sold it, even though they both knew I needed to join an academy to survive. And since the top academy invited me, the other academies didn¡¯t send an invitation."


    "So, I worked as hard as I could to get through the preliminary test. You know... seeing me back alive, both of them looked startled, as if they wished I had died."


    He opened his eyes, filled with mockery.


    "I immediately went to college to have my name removed since I no longer wanted to have any relationship with them. From their expressions, I think they were also planning to kick me out of their house, fearing I had grown strong enough to harm them."

 Chapter 59: First Dimension VI

    Skyler sat down next to him. He had thought the past two years of his life were bad, but he never imagined someone could suffer so much their entire life.


    "What were you planning to do afterward?"


    "No idea. I didn¡¯t have a storage ring, so I couldn¡¯t obtain anything valuable from the preliminary test. I..."


    Charles¡¯s expression hardened, and he looked at Skyler to make sure he noted everything the latter felt upon hearing him.


    "...killed a few people who tried to kill me, but their storage rings were linked to them and self-destructed. So, I have nothing. Maybe I will become a rogue Light with no direction."


    He was surprised when Skyler¡¯s eyes remained calm even after knowing he had killed. Instead, he fell deep into thought.


    Skyler glanced at him a minute later.


    "Do you want to join me? I will be leaving for Starlight Academy soon since they gave me a special pass. If they had invited you in the past, they would accept you. No need to go back home. Well, if you want to go back to confront your family, then you can."


    Charles¡¯s raised a brow at his words.


    "Are you hiring me as your employee?"


    "Yep, the pay will be good. So, agree."


    Charle broke into an amused chuckle. They remained silent for a while, listening to the sounds of the battle raging behind them.


    Then suddenly, the boss monster let out a loud cry. They glanced back, only to see the spider slain, with Scar and Dread reaching to shatter the glowing core in the silk web.


    Skyler helped him stand up, and when the villains were close to shattering the core, they both rushed out of their hiding place.


    Charles increased his speed with the wind element, and Skyler with the light element.


    They had to jump into the exit portal! They were quite far from the core, but they knew they would be able to leap into the portal due to the surprise of their appearance!


    However, they froze in their tracks when both Scar and Dread stopped just as they were about to break the dimension core and staggered back with horrified faces.


    The two villains were gravely injured. So, when a giant white snake with red eyes and three red gems embedded on either side of its head slithered out from behind the silk web, they knew they were done for.


    Scar trembled like a leaf. Her injured body lost all remaining strength it had because she couldn¡¯t even sense the snake¡¯s aura!


    "How¡ª"


    Her words were cut short when the snake hissed angrily, and its lengthy tail emerged from the darkness, sending her body flying. Her eyes rolled back as she crashed into the chamber wall and spat out blood.


    Dread tried to escape, but who was he kidding? The snake was just too fast, and just like Scar, his body was flung away. The two villains who had survived for so long lost consciousness from a single attack, and the boss chamber began to tremble.


    The snake¡¯s full form came into view.


    It had white scales with a hint of red on some of the scales. Its head reached the ceiling of the huge chamber, and its body occupied a large amount of space.


    The snake¡¯s glowing eyes locked onto Charles¡¯s distant figure, who gasped at the towering creature. A pair of fangs emerged from its mouth as it hissed. It was furious for being disturbed again by these pests.


    Nineteen years. That was the time it had taken for the snake to finally form a body for itself after wandering formless.


    Another long year was spent searching for a place to live after traveling from one place to another, yet they were invading its home and constantly killing its spider friends!


    This time, the snake had decided to kill these people instead of just injuring them. That way, no more pests would ever come to kill its friends and invade its territory!


    Before it could attack Charles, a dazed voice echoed in the chamber.


    "So... beautiful..."


    Charles¡¯ mouth dropped open when he noticed Skyler staring at the snake with a mesmerized look and even reaching out to touch it as if he wanted to commit suicide.


    The snake¡¯s crimson eyes blinked in utter confusion as a spark of electricity surged through its body upon hearing the dazed voice, and it finally turned its head to the other youth standing in the chamber.


    It froze when it met the pair of blue eyes staring at it with such intensity that it felt overwhelming. Its heart skipped a beat and it couldn¡¯t understand why. The pest in front of it was so small and weak just like others, but why didn¡¯t it want to kill it?


    Skyler¡¯s eyes locked with the red ones. His mind wasn¡¯t working anymore. That¡¯s why he yelped when Charles slapped his head and started dragging him away, shouting.


    "Run! You idiot! Or we both die!"


    By the time he came to his senses, he was being pushed into the tunnel from which they had entered the boss chamber.


    Skyler blinked and climbed back up the hole, still dazed by what had happened. He wanted to go back and touch the snake, but he was met with Charles¡¯s glaring eyes, so he discarded the thought, feeling sad.


    Charles followed behind him with gritted teeth as his severe shoulder injury, which hadn¡¯t healed at all, bled more.


    His heart pounded with dread as he recalled the massive white snake.


    Before long, they emerged from the boss chamber, once again surrounded by many spiders. The previously orange sky above the forest had turned completely dark, with tiny stars dotting the horizon.


    Yet, from Charles¡¯s point of view, it was better than facing that massive snake. To their astonishment, no spiders in the area attacked them; instead, they all moved aside to give them a path to leave.


    Skyler glanced at the spiders.


    "What¡¯s happening...?"


    Charles grabbed his shoulder when he saw how the ash-brown-haired boy was looking back at the boss chamber entrance as if he wanted to go back.


    "Think about that later! We need to leave this place before the snake comes out!"


    He ran. Skyler followed him, but his blue eyes kept darting back again and again.


    Charles only stopped when they were far from the boss chamber, his face pale and breathing shallow as he slumped down.


    "Fuck... are we going to die here?"


    Skyler bent down next to him. He took out more Light elemental stones from his ring and placed them on his shoulder wound, causing him to hiss with clenched fists.


    "No, we won¡¯t. We will get out of here alive. Don¡¯t move. You are badly injured."


    Skyler glanced at the elemental stones, surprised at how easily he had taken them out to give them away. He was aware of his obsession with gems and sparkling things.


    However, now that he had seen something more beautiful than these stones, just like the red-eyed winged woman he saw in the preliminary test, they felt insignificant. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ¡¯If only I could get that pretty snake...¡¯

 Chapter 60: First Dimension VII

    Outside the dimension, the middle-aged man keeping watch over the crystal was confused when the orange crystal before him turned gray and then white, indicating that a large number of beasts inside had been killed. Yet, no one came out.


    He left the chair and sprang to his feet.


    "The ones inside should be out of the crystal by now. Did something happen?"


    He climbed the stairs and attempted to enter the crystal, but it was still sealed.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, he reported the matter to the guild leader, who had asked him to watch over the crystal.


    Guild Leader Johnson¡¯s son was trapped within the sealed crystal, alongside another boy and some villains. He couldn¡¯t afford to miss any changes in the crystal and needed to keep the leaders informed.


    He was one of the Adept tier Lights who worked for Johnson and Loyd¡¯s guild.


    Before long, he saw dawn approaching, marking the beginning of a new day.


    Yet, no one emerged from the crystal.


    The middle-aged man let out a sigh.


    "These kids are so unfortunate. They just had to step on a dimensional field, which is so rare to see, and then end up in a crystal where no other Light was present since the guild stopped everyone after the incident of many getting injured due to a snake. Hope the kids get out of the crystal safely."


    He settled into his chair.


    Suddenly, his eyes turned cold. He had another reason for being there. The guild had located Robert, who was assigned to protect Skyler, through his phone.


    But he was in a critical condition. That¡¯s why he was currently hospitalized, with healers and doctors tending to him. They had saved his life, but it was uncertain when he would regain consciousness.


    "I need to catch those damn villains... It¡¯s not certain that the kids would be able to defeat them, let alone kill them, especially since they have not yet seen the cruel side of the world. I need to avenge Robert."


    Caspian wasn¡¯t alone. Two more powerful Adept tier Lights were hiding in the area for any unforeseen circumstances.


    Unbeknownst to him, the villains were already dead. Not because of the two kids, but because of a certain snake. Still, they would have died even if the snake hadn¡¯t killed them, because one of the kids had already killed before and the second one definitely doesn¡¯t need experience to kill.


    ***


    Simultaneously, in the crystal, the massive snake stared at the place where Skyler and Charles vanished for a long, long time.


    It was deep in thought, its red eyes glowing brightly because for the first time it wasn¡¯t able to understand its own emotions.


    Emotions had always been hard to grasp, as it had only recently formed a physical body after existing in a formless state.


    But the intensity of these emotions was unlike anything it had ever experienced. For some reason, it had even commanded its spider friends not to harm the two pests.


    The snake hissed softly. However, it was very, very displeased and wanted to speak in the weird language the small pests used. Something it had never cared about.


    Its knowledge was lacking, as it had only ever lived among monsters and didn¡¯t even know that the pests were called humans.


    But it had a good brain, so it found and jumbled together every single word it had heard up till now from every pest who had entered its house to know how that one with blue eyes would communicate.


    It wanted to know him...


    Stay with him...


    The emotions were so strong that the first words that ever formed in its head were.


    ¡¯Mine... He smells... mine.¡¯


    With that, every restraint it had shattered.


    The snake was still very confused, but now that it knew what it wanted, it left the boss chamber to go and search for Skyler.


    Its size reduced considerably, and in the end, it was an arm-length, beautiful, small snake as it moved out of the tree trunk. The many spiders around the tree scattered in fear and panic. Yet, the snake didn¡¯t care.


    It seemed it was about time for it to finally change home again and this time it wanted to go where the one with blue eyes lived.


    Soon, it was watching Skyler¡¯s every action after slithering onto a high tree branch. Its red eyes were fixed on the two youths.


    At the same time, Skyler felt a prickling sensation at the back of his head, almost as if someone were watching him.


    He turned around, his eyes narrowing, but saw nothing. He shrugged it off, deciding to ignore it since he didn¡¯t sense any malice or find the feeling unpleasant.


    Charles winced as, due to his sudden distraction, he pressed his wound more forcefully while trying to transmit his Light element Evol into it to heal the youth.


    "It¡¯s not working..."


    Skyler released a sigh, his gaze falling on Charles. The young man¡¯s eyes were closed tightly, his forehead slick with sweat. It was clear he wasn¡¯t conscious.


    Initially, he had tried pressing several Light elemental stones on his wound to help him, but they had little effect, barely stemming the bleeding from his shoulder.


    Charles¡¯s body couldn¡¯t absorb Light Evol since he lacked affinity with that element. Therefore, only a doctor or someone with Light Evol could heal him externally.


    That¡¯s why Skyler had been trying his best to transmit his golden Evol into his wound for hours to heal him, yet it didn¡¯t work.


    "Do I really need to know a spell or a healing skill to help him? Why can¡¯t I just use my Evol on his injury and heal him? At this rate, his state is going to get worse."


    He pursed his lips and glanced at the sky. Skyler could see the deep night fading and a new day approaching. He hadn¡¯t lit a fire last night to avoid attracting monsters.


    The spiders hadn¡¯t attacked them previously, but who knows when they might?


    However, he needed to find something to help Charles heal. A source of water in the forest would be a good start.


    He stood up and stretched his stiff arms and legs. He was tired and a bit sluggish.


    Since Charles had fallen unconscious, Skyler had been keeping watch over their surroundings while doing what he could to help him recover. He yawned softly and pulled the hoodie he had taken from his storage ring to properly cover Charles. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can¡¯t leave him alone, not when he¡¯s unconscious. So, I wil just look for water or herbs nearby... but damn, from what I have gone through so far, my luck is terrible, and I don¡¯t have much knowledge of herbs."


    He muttered to himself as he roamed the area filled with trees. It was still quite dark. A bitter chuckle escaped him.


    "Hah, what if I ended up poisoning Charles instead of healing? Still, I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t find anything, not even poisonous herbs."


    So, one could only imagine his shock when, after only a few minutes, he saw a glowing tulip sitting on the ground before him.


    "Huh???"


    Skyler was more astonished than shocked because the tulip wasn¡¯t rooted in the land. Instead, it lay detached on plain earth, as if someone had plucked it from another place and deposited it right in front of him.


    "Haha..."


    Taking a step back, he chuckled dryly, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. Good or bad, ghosts weren¡¯t his cup of tea, and neither were ¡¯good¡¯ monsters who fed their prey before eating them.


    The familiar gray spear appeared in his hand, a tangible reminder of his unease. He wouldn¡¯t be surprised if his bad luck had led him to one of those creatures.


    "Who¡¯s there? Show yourself!"


    There was silence for a moment before one of the nearby tree branches shook. Skyler¡¯s eyes snapped toward the noise, and a pair of familiar red eyes greeted him. He froze.


    "It¡¯s you..."

 Chapter 61: First Dimension VIII

    Skyler¡¯s tense body instinctively relaxed when he met the snake¡¯s red eyes, and he had no idea why. Granted, the pretty snake was very small compared to the giant one he saw in the boss chamber, but it was still a snake, one that could harm him.


    Yet, for some reason, he was sure it wouldn¡¯t harm him, and his guards further relaxed when he could sense the snake¡¯s aura clearly, unlike the massive snake.


    It was only a 2-star! This made it clear that it was a different snake, smaller, cuter, and weaker than the big one!


    Even if it wasn¡¯t and was the same snake that had crushed the two villains like ants, Skyler had long since stopped caring.


    He was usually very vigilant, but when it came to things or people he was fond of, his mind would begin to lag. The fact that Skyler was very expressive when he liked someone did nothing to help.


    A surge of glee erupted in his heart. The snake was so small, yet it was equally beautiful as the larger one!


    His mind raced, and in just a few seconds, he had already conjured up many plans to kidnap this snake, even if it had a family.


    First things first, he hurriedly hid the spear in his hand in his storage ring, not wanting to scare his cute little snake. It was unclear how on earth the little snake became ¡¯his¡¯, but he had already decided it was his.


    "Ahem, hey there? I mean, are you the little brother or sister of that big snake?"


    He asked tentatively, taking a secret step forward while maintaining eye contact.


    The snake just stared back at him dazed, and Skyler¡¯s confidence boasted. It seemed he would successfully kidnap it!


    "How about you come with me? I am a very good caretaker. I will feed you good things. Take you to good places. How about it?"


    Skyler looked like a bad person coaxing a little kid with candy. But he had no choice.


    "Can you understand me?"


    With that, his hand was already reaching out to touch its smooth white scales.


    "Can I...?"


    The snake finally blinked when it saw him so close and flinched back a bit. However, it didn¡¯t retreat. Instead, it tentatively reached out and rubbed its head against his hand.


    Its eyes turned moist. It felt as if it had missed this touch for a long, long time.


    Skyler stared at the creature in a daze.


    So soft... and a bit cold to touch.


    His heart was pounding so hard that he could hear it. But for just a moment when he touched the snake, he felt a sharp pain in his heart and had the urge to scoop it into his arms and hug it tightly.


    It was at that moment that the first ray of sunlight from the three suns finally filtered through the rows of trees, falling upon both the lone human and the snake.


    Skyler¡¯s ash-brown hair shimmered like molten gold, and the snake¡¯s white scales brightened, particularly the three small red rubies embedded on either side of its head.


    He had just retreated his hand slightly, but the snake lunged at him and wrapped itself around his arm tightly. Its eyes blazed with anger, making it clear it wouldn¡¯t let go.


    Skyler burst into genuine laughter. He only stopped a while later and wiped the corners of his eyes, amused at the little creature.


    "Ha, why do I feel like you are actually willing to be kidnapped? So cute."


    The snake looked at him, confused. It still couldn¡¯t understand his words completely. But it felt happy when he laughed.


    Skyler stared back at it.


    "Can you understand what I am saying? Nod your head if you can."


    The snake didn¡¯t nod, and he smiled.


    "I knew it, you can¡¯t. Your eyes felt so intelligent, so I thought you could. I wonder if you have a name? I feel like you are not a beast, but a spirit. Seeing your eyes, which are so similar to that beauty who gave me the spear, it¡¯s clear you are a female. So, I will call you Riruru from now on, okay?"


    He reached out to rub her head, and she blinked adorably like a harmless, confused creature before slowly moving from his arm to slither around his waist, then circling his neck and chest, as if checking him.


    He joked lightly.


    "What are you doing, Riruru? As a girl, it¡¯s not appropriate for you to be so touchy! Bad manners! I need to teach you a lot."


    Skyler sighed like a parent who had just adopted an unruly young child. If only he knew what his little snake was up to, he would have been slack-jawed.


    She had never done it before, but it came naturally to her. She was marking him with her scent, so if he ever dared to leave her, she would find him like a haunting ghost.


    Now that the snake had taken a liking to him, he wasn¡¯t allowed to leave her. She would follow him wherever he went.


    A possessive glint flashed in her crimson eyes before disappearing into the depths of her gaze, which sparkled innocently. She did not stop touching him here and there, even after she had finished marking him.


    He felt so warm and pleasant to touch that she couldn¡¯t help herself. Ultimately, Skyler had to grab her and reprimand her.


    "That¡¯s it. No more touching, Riruru."


    The snake finally caught the name ¡¯Riruru¡¯. She repeated it over and over in her mind. It seemed the pest was calling her that. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Did he give her a name?


    If so, it didn¡¯t sound bad. She liked it.


    This was what one might refer to as a love-at-first-sight filter, and even if Skyler had given her a bad name, she would have accepted it without a second thought.


    Skyler lifted her onto his arm, and she wrapped herself around it quietly. Then, he finally glanced at the glowing tulip.


    "Did you find it? For me? Thank you."


    He picked it up and was surprised to see Evol emanating from it.


    The tulip pulsed with a soft, warm light. He examined it, turning it over in his hands. The petals were a shade of gold, and the stem was thin and almost translucent.


    "If only I knew more about herbs. It¡¯s emitting faint golden Evol, so I hope it has some healing properties..."


    He crushed a glowing petal and quickly noticed a tiny scratch on his forearm.


    First, he gathered his Evol around the scratch to ensure he could cleanse any poison from his body if the tulip was toxic. Then, he applied some of the crushed petal to the scratch, which was mostly healed thanks to his self-healing skill.


    Skyler was very astonished to see the wound vanish within seconds.


    "Wow... this is powerful! It would be helpful to Charles! Where did you find it, Riruru?"


    Skyler¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement. His lagging mind was finally working again.


    Riruru could not understand him, but she had found a powerful healing herb for him, probably after seeing how he was trying to heal Charles¡¯ injuries. That means she is an intelligent creature! Doesn¡¯t that imply she could lead him to more herbs like this?


    With that in mind, he quickly left to help Charles heal first, so they could go treasure hunting together with Riruru as a guide!

 Chapter 62: First Dimension IX

    Above the forest, the suns shone brightly, creating a warm and arid atmosphere when Charles¡¯s eyes slowly opened with a groan. He was dazed for a few seconds.


    Realizing that the agonizing pain in his shoulder had diminished from excruciating to light, he took a shuddering breath. A faint whisper escaped as he licked his dry lips.


    "...Am I dead?"


    A scoff sounded beside him.


    "Yeah, welcome to hell."


    Charles let out a relieved chuckle as he stared at the three suns in the blue sky. It seemed he was still alive and breathing.


    His dark eyes flashed with emotions. He remembered that he had fainted last night and that his condition was critical. After all, even though they had stopped the bleeding by wrapping clothes around it, his shoulder had an open wound that he was sure had become infected because it was exposed.


    Despite everything, instead of giving up on him after the Light elemental stones didn¡¯t work, Skyler had taken care of him all night to ensure he didn¡¯t die, and by the looks of it, had also found something to treat him.


    "Thanks..."


    He muttered with a genuine smile. For the first time in his messy and challenging life, someone wanted him to live and had done so much to save him, even after knowing they would receive nothing in return.


    It seems he finally has a true friend¡ªsomeone who wouldn¡¯t leave him to die.


    He felt grateful to Skyler.


    So much so that he vowed inwardly to stand by his side, even if no one else did, if they escaped this dimension alive, and at that moment, Charles¡¯s fate changed.


    His tragic fate that he had endured in his first life¡ªthe one that was observed and recorded by the Keeper of Time. Now, he can forge a new journey for himself, one that no one has yet calculated or seen.


    Hearing him, Skyler walked over and stood before him, his figure blocking the sunlight.


    "No, don¡¯t thank me. Thank Riruru. She was the one who found the healing herb."


    Charles gazed at him, his dark eyes filled with confusion as he noticed him grinning.


    Had Skyler found more people in this dimension while he was unconscious?


    Thinking that perhaps someone had been present in the crystal before it was sealed, his confusion faded, and he muttered.


    "Riruru?"


    However, what Charles witnessed next nearly gave him a tiny heart attack.


    With wide eyes, he pointed his trembling finger at the eerily familiar yet small snake that had peeked out from behind Skyler¡¯s shoulder upon hearing her name.


    Charles had missed her earlier since her body was wrapped around Skyler¡¯s arm, but no way he could forget those familiar red eyes he had seen in the boss¡¯s chamber!


    "You... You...!"


    He stuttered, horrified. Did this crazy jerk go back when he was unconscious and tamed that massive snake??


    Skyler could see from his panicked eyes what was going through his mind.


    "It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking."


    He pointed at Riruru.


    "She¡¯s a different snake. Look, she¡¯s so harmless and small! She¡¯s only 2-star!"


    Charles wanted to shout, ¡¯bullshit¡¯. However, Riruru suddenly leaned down, startling him enough that he quickly moved back.


    "Get that snake away from me!!" S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler laughed but moved back.


    "Why are you getting so scared? Riruru should be the one getting scared."


    He caressed the snake¡¯s head, and she blinked innocently, though inwardly she felt annoyed since she didn¡¯t understand what they were discussing. She needed to learn their language as soon as possible, or it would lead to long-term issues.


    Charles calmed down. He knew that the Beast Taming class existed in Eldoria, and many academies even had special classes that taught students how to communicate and befriend monsters. But the process was very dangerous, as monsters were inherently violent and rarely listened.


    "Did you tame that snake? How?"


    "No, I didn¡¯t. I found her nearby, but instead of attacking, she helped me find a herb that significantly healed your injury."


    Skyler replied, skipping the part where he had tried to coax her with various things.


    Charles remained silent. He wasn¡¯t foolish enough to believe that a snake, so similar to the one they saw in the boss chamber, would suddenly show up and help them.


    This was real life, not some movie! He glanced at his shoulder and noticed that it was nearly healed, with just a small patch of damaged skin still visible.


    "This..."


    He whispered in surprise. Did the snake really find such a powerful herb that had healed such a big injury so quickly?


    Just what tier of herb had she found that worked so effectively even without being properly processed into a healing potion?


    It was definitely at least Epic tier!


    Skyler bent down before him.


    "Can you walk? I think we should start moving. I¡¯m hungry and thirsty, and I¡¯m sure you are as well. And... I¡¯m sure if Riruru can find a powerful healing herb for you, she can guide us to more similar herbs."


    His blue eyes sparkled.


    "Hehe, can¡¯t you hear the sound of money we both are going to make if she really did? So, why overthink so much and waste time? We should go treasure hunting."


    When Skyler¡¯s words clicked in his head, Charles let out a loud ¡¯Ohhhh.¡¯ His attitude took a complete 180-degree turn, and the way he looked at the snake changed.


    "Now that I think about it, this snake does look very, very harmless. It¡¯s definitely not the one we saw in the boss chamber."


    He didn¡¯t voice his remaining words.


    ¡¯One that can make us rich!¡¯


    Skyler sprang to his feet. It¡¯s rare to find friends who understand one in this regard. He extended his hand to help him up.


    "Then come on, let¡¯s find a water source and something edible first because I am never going to eat spider meat."


    Charles took his hand and stood up. He stretched his stiff body and shoulders. They both glanced at Riruru with sparkling eyes, and she didn¡¯t need to understand them to know that something was wrong.


    She slithered toward Skyler¡¯s neck to feel better by touching his warm skin. As for the rest, what¡¯s the worst that can happen?


    She was stronger than them and could easily handle these two weak creatures. It was surprising how she was pretending to be weak just to not scare Skyler off.


    Charles sighed as he checked his body.


    "That was hella painful. I would like it if we could avoid fighting for a while. By the way, you¡¯re wearing clean clothes, although they seem too big. Do you have another shirt?"


    Skyler checked his storage ring.


    "I have one more. It¡¯s clean but worn out since I¡¯ve used it. Do you still want it?"


    "Of course! It¡¯s better than wearing torn clothes stained with dried blood."


    With that, they both set off to explore the forest. The duo was dumbfounded when the spiders didn¡¯t approach them, even as they passed right in front of them.


    This was the second time it happened.


    Charles glanced at Riruru and remembered that he had read somewhere that powerful monsters can intimidate the weak.


    Noticing Skyler¡¯s calm eyes, he shook his head. It seemed they both knew the reason why the spiders were avoiding them.


    However, they didn¡¯t voice it.


    Why would they when remaining silent was providing them with many benefits? As for Riruru, he had no idea why she had reduced her size and chosen to cling to Skyler.


    Suddenly, a thought flashed in his mind, and he reached out to touch her. But she moved back faster than wind and glared at him.


    Charles¡¯s eyes flickered with amusement.


    It seemed the snake had taken a liking to only Skyler. Well, he couldn¡¯t blame Riruru; this jerk was really quite handsome. What he overlooked was that the ¡¯liking¡¯ he had in mind could be very different from Riruru.

 Chapter 63: First Dimension X

    Seated near a pond that was shallow enough for sunlight to reach the bottom and surrounded by green trees, Charles patted his full stomach, feeling content.


    "Did I mention you¡¯re a great cook? If not, let me just say you really are."


    Skyler¡¯s lips twitched. He scoffed and turned the clean, thin tree branches laden with pieces of meat over the fire. Of course, the meat didn¡¯t belong to the spiders. They had discovered a flock of ordinary quails in a hidden grassy area and caught some.


    Charles was the one who ignited a fire by gathering dry branches and leaves. He did this easily by striking two stones together, as if he had done it many times before.


    Only when he was done did Skyler realize his evil scheme! Since he lit the fire, Skyler had to do the work of cutting and cleaning the meat. And, fuck, it was so hard! Why? Because he only had a spear!


    Ultimately, he also ended up cooking.


    That explains their current situation.


    Skyler tsked softly as he grabbed a branch laden with meat and bit into it reluctantly.


    "It¡¯s bland and tasteless. What¡¯s so great about roasted meat?"


    Charles shook his head.


    "Your taste must be on a whole different level. For me, this is the best meal. It¡¯s far better than what I usually cook."


    Riruru gazed intently at the sizzling meat, enchanted by its aroma. She had no idea why they needed to char the food to eat it when they could consume it raw. But she had to admit it smelled incredibly good.


    Skyler noticed her gaze. He blew on some meat and then extended it toward her.


    "Here, give it a try."


    She blinked and hesitated, but when she finally ate it, her eyes widened at the taste. Then, for the first time since they had met, she left Skyler¡¯s side to go and hoard all the remaining cooked meat for herself.


    Skyler was dumbfounded. Did his Riruru just abandon him for food? It seemed he had to make sure she wouldn¡¯t taste better food, or who knows what might happen.


    Charles felt aggrieved because when he reached for more, Riruru hissed at him. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Your little snake is greedy."


    Skyler was too shocked by the sudden betrayal to focus on Charles. He stared at Riruru, waiting for her to come back.


    But when she didn¡¯t, he was ticked off. So, when she came back after eating all the meat¡ªwho knows how she managed it when she was so small¡ªhe ignored her.


    Charles cringed at Skyler¡¯s behavior, but Riruru¡¯s heart dropped when he turned his head away. She didn¡¯t like it, not in the least. So she hurriedly moved to touch his fingers and stared at him with adorable eyes.


    Skyler¡¯s heart melted immediately, and he scooped her into his arms with a chuckle.


    "Damn, she is so cute."


    Charles narrowed his eyes at the pair. Something was odd about their behavior, but he just couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on it. It was hardly surprising considering there was a snake and a human before him. This poor youth would likely have known what was wrong if the snake were a woman.


    Before his thoughts could wander and reach a conclusion, Skyler stood up.


    "Let¡¯s go. We are done with food and..."


    He glanced at Riruru.


    She was a water elementist. They had found a pond, but the water was unclean. So, they were frustrated since they didn¡¯t have anything to boil the water in.


    However, Riruru, who was watching them, suddenly conjured a ball of cold water out of thin air, and the issue was resolved.


    "...Water is no longer a problem thanks to Riruru. It¡¯s time to move forward."


    With a nod, Charles extinguished the fire and stood up. It was good that they didn¡¯t need to worry about the dead bodies of the spiders they had killed up until now. Unlike the outside world, if no one picked up the dead bodies of monsters for an hour here, they dissolved into the land on their own.


    It was a beneficial function of the crystals that kept the environment in them clean.


    That¡¯s why Lights who cleared crystals for money and resources always made sure to collect the bodies of their slain beasts.


    Charles watched as Skyler hastily drew a tulip with a branch on the land and showed it to Riruru, who looked at it with confusion.


    "You are good at drawing as well."


    Skyler rubbed his nose, sheepishly.


    "Jealous?"


    Charles just gave him a blank look. He shouldn¡¯t have praised him. He knew him like the back of his hand in just a day, but his cookiness never failed to amaze him.


    It¡¯s annoying, but he had to admit it suited him, since he had the ability to live up to it.


    Riruru¡¯s crimson eyes flickered with understanding when she grasped Skyler¡¯s intention of showing her the sketch of the tulip. He wanted her to find more tulips, or perhaps similar healing treasures.


    Having lived in this dimension for a long time, she knew every nook and cranny. With a turn of her head towards the left, she let out a soft hiss, indicating the way.


    Skyler smirked and gave her a thumbs-up before practically sprinting in the indicated direction. Charles followed close behind.


    They both channeled their Evol to increase their speed, but in truth, they were secretly competing to see who was faster.


    None of them were winning. They were actually equal in speed. The reason being, even though Charles was stronger, Skyler¡¯s light element was faster than his wind.


    Suddenly, Charles recalled something important and rushed to Skyler¡¯s side.


    "Umm, I was thinking... how am I going to collect the herbs or treasures? I don¡¯t have a storage ring that can keep items fresh or anything else to store them."


    Skyler flashed him an innocent look. He didn¡¯t think Charles would notice it so soon. But damn, he did. He showed him his ring.


    "No worries at all. As a good friend, I will help you store them. You can count on me."


    Charles¡¯ eyebrows twitched. The time he had spent with Skyler was enough to make him understand when he was scheming.


    He was wondering why Skyler shared the good news of Riruru finding the treasures with him when he could have gone on his own to look for them without sharing.


    Now, he understood!


    This jerk wanted him to work with him but keep everything for himself in the end!


    "You are a jerk with no conscience."


    Skyler gasped dramatically at his words and pointed at his nose while running.


    "Me? No way! I am a good person!"


    Charles rolled his eyes at his words.


    "Yeah, yeah, a very good person."

 Chapter 64: First Dimension XI

    Near the area where they two had spent last night after leaving the boss chamber, Skyler came to a pause when the snake stopped telling him the direction.


    He stood before some twisted trees whose long branches entirely surrounded the area behind them, with tiny gaps in between.


    Charles paused beside him, a wry smile playing on his lips. They had came back, almost full circle, to the very spot where their journey had begun that morning.


    "How did we miss this place? You even checked the area when I was unconscious. I can¡¯t believe you missed it too."


    Skyler didn¡¯t respond. He was groaning inwardly. Just how terrible his luck was for him to completely miss this place, despite it being so conspicuous and close by?? He hoped nothing similar had happened during the preliminary test, or he would cry.


    Putting Riruru on a tree branch, he and Charles moved forward, quickly clearing a path through the twisted trees by pushing aside branches and dense foliage. Their eyes widened at the sight before them.


    Skyler closed his parted lips.


    "Is this what I am seeing... is it?"


    Charles didn¡¯t reply. Instead, he reached out to pinch Skyler¡¯s arm, making him wince.


    "What was that for??"


    Charles glanced at him.


    "Just checking I¡¯m not imagining things."


    Skyler glared at him.


    "By pinching me??" S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Charles didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he moved forward and took a breath before exhaling. His lungs felt a strange kind of freshness as the dense Evol in the air filled them.


    Before them lay a small clearing, awash in sparkling grass and many golden tulips that glowed softly in the dappled sunlight.


    The twisted trees around formed a dense canopy, casting shadows, but the glowing golden petals and grass illuminated the space with their warm glow.


    Skyler counted the tulips.


    "One... two... more than ten! Hey, if all of these herbs are Adapt or Epic-tier, just how much money can we get?"


    Charles glanced at the area.


    "Don¡¯t just count the flowers. The grass growing here is also not ordinary. We could be rich if we harvested everything here."


    He didn¡¯t have much knowledge of how much they would sell for, but he knew they wouldn¡¯t be cheap. In Eldoria, the standard currency everywhere was called star coins, and it was mostly transferred electronically, as people rarely carried it physically.


    About 1,000 star coins could provide two normal meals a day for a family of three.


    A tier above star coins are Evol crystals. They could only be traded physically and are mined from various places.


    These crystals were the size of a small stone and available in seven colors, since every element¡¯s Evol color is different. They could be absorbed into the body to restore Evol and also increase one¡¯s strength.


    Their worth differed according to the rarity of their element. For example, if a fire Evol crystal is worth 1,000 star coins, a space Evol crystal is worth double that price.


    Skyler nodded at Charles¡¯ words.


    "Then why wait! Start plucking!"


    He bent down and carefully started picking up the tulips and also the glowing grass.


    Riruru watched the two with interest, wondering what they would do with so many healing flowers.


    Perhaps eat them?


    Charles picked up a tulip and glanced at Skyler from the corners of his eyes.


    "How are we going to divide the profit?"


    Skyler glanced back at him, ready to shamelessly suggest an 80%-20% split.


    Of course, with 80% being his.


    But he stopped when he saw Charles digging out a patch of grass that glowed brighter than the rest, and along its root, came crystal-like droplets of blue Evol.


    His fingers itched to touch them.


    "How about 50-50? Only if you hand over what¡¯s in your hand and forget about it."


    Charles blinked, taken aback. He was actually thinking along the lines of 80-20. That was more like Skyler. Did he actually misunderstand this good guy?


    Bullshit! No way he did! Something was amiss, and it was related to how Skyler¡¯s eyes were practically boring holes into the patch of grass in his hand.


    He didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry when he soon realized what was wrong.


    Skyler wasn¡¯t looking at the grass; he was looking at the crystal-like droplets of blue colored hardened Evol along its roots.


    How did he not notice?


    It was so evident!


    Why Skyler had so many elemental stones in his storage ring and nothing else. Why he had tried to reach for a crystal-like flower by clinging precariously to a cliff.


    The boy was obsessed with crystals!


    Charles laughed dryly.


    "Here, take it. What are you even going to do with it? It¡¯s clear only a water elementist can absorb the Evol in the hard droplets."


    Skyler hurriedly took the patch of grass from his hand and only felt relieved again after storing it in his storage ring.


    "So? Just forget about it. It doesn¡¯t exist anymore. Or no, 50/50."


    Charles raised a hand to his lips, making a sealing gesture. He wanted to let his friend know that the secret was safe with him.


    But his shoulders shook uncontrollably, betraying his effort to stifle a laugh.


    Skyler scowled at him, a silent curse escaping his lips. Why the hell couldn¡¯t he hold his urge for a few seconds? They both knew everything was going to be stored in his storage ring eventually, and he could have easily taken what he liked. But no, he had to go and do something idiotic!


    He took a deep breath. Damn, he needs to learn self-restraint or else he knew he was going to end up in big trouble one day.


    By the time the two were done, the once vibrant place was left barren. Every single glowing herb in the clearing was plucked.


    Skyler glanced back at Riruru.


    "Shall we continue, my dear?"


    His lips curled upward into a sly smile. Beside him, Charles also wore a smile as they both crowded Riruru. The snake was bewildered, and then utterly speechless when she grasped their intentions.


    With a tired sigh, she led them to another place where cone-shaped herbs, emitting Darkness Evol, were growing.


    Skyler and Charles gasped at the sight.


    Why had they never known one could find so much in just a single dimension?! If they had, they would have come here sooner!


    No one can blame them since not many find a good guide who knows every nook and cranny of the dimension they are in.


    Lights rarely find valuable resources in Novice-tier crystals, the weakest tier.


    Yet, here they were finding so much.


    Charles rubbed his hands with a laugh. He felt Skyler¡¯s excitement was rubbing off on him and said what Skyler had said earlier.


    "Why wait? Pluck everything!"


    He moved forward, thinking he was going to swim in star coins once they were out of here, and Skyler quickly followed behind.


    This is the reason why their stay in the crystal, which should have ended after the two villains died and Skyler befriended the dangerous snake, extended to a few days.


    Only when Riruru could no longer guide them to another place filled with herbs or Evol did they finally make their way back to the boss monster chamber.

 Chapter 65: A Spell Scroll I

    Standing before the tall tree leading to the boss chamber, Charles checked his status.


    "I can¡¯t believe I went from the initial stage of 5-star to the second stage in 3 days."


    He muttered with disbelief and smiled. They had found many different herbs.


    While consuming a large quantity of them without understanding their true purpose at once to gain strength isn¡¯t ideal for anyone, the two had absorbed a few of them which were imbued with wind and light Evol.


    This much was fine. The spiders in the dimension didn¡¯t get close to them thanks to Riruru, so they had settled and meditated to make their elemental crystals stronger.


    "Once we are out of here, I am going to form my second elemental crystal."


    He glanced at Skyler.


    "Tell me, which one should I form next? Earth, Fire, or Lightning?"


    Yet, the latter asked him a completely different question out of the blue.


    "I remember when we were absorbing the herbs, you stopped in the middle to rest for a while. Did your body felt overwhelmed?"


    Charles blinked at him.


    "Where¡¯s that coming from? Of course, my body felt overwhelmed. Don¡¯t you know that our crystals can¡¯t absorb too much Evol at a time? It¡¯s like trying to drink a whole ocean in one gulp - you¡¯d just end up drowning."


    He moved and patted his shoulder. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You absorbed more herbs than me. It¡¯s okay since you said it was your first time, but you need to be careful. If we rely too much on treasures for Evol, our elemental crystal will be weaker compared to those who build a solid foundation."


    Skyler let out an ¡¯okay¡¯, but his mind was occupied. When he was absorbing the Evol in the herbs, he noticed something weird.


    Unlike Charles, his body didn¡¯t feel overwhelmed. Not in the least. Instead, it absorbed the Evol in the herbs so rapidly that he was shocked. Then within a short time, all that Evol was transferred into the small elemental crystal in his heart.


    Instantly, his strength jumped from the initial stage of 4-star to the middle stage. He quickly took out more herbs and placed them before him, so Charles wouldn¡¯t notice anything, and pretended to stay seated.


    But inwardly, he was screaming.


    What the hell just happened? He could swear his elemental crystal didn¡¯t become weak like it would if one is getting all their Evol from treasures. Instead, he saw his crystal getting stronger!


    He was sure his crystal was bigger than a typical middle-stage 4-star, even though he had nothing to compare it with!


    It was almost as if his body processed all the impurities from the Evol he absorbed and sent the finest thing to his crystal.


    Does that mean he could absorb as many treasures as he wants, but it wouldn¡¯t harm his foundation?! Was this because of his special spirit constitution?


    Fuck! This means he can just absorb a lot of treasures and get stronger with no effort at all! First, his body can automatically form a path for Evol to move, and now this? Isn¡¯t his constitution a bit too overpowered?


    He had tested his theory and was right! By simply absorbing more herbs, he reached the peak of the middle stage of 4-star.


    The only problem was that he absorbed many herbs just to get closer to the next stage, as if they were no longer potent enough to propel him to the final stage.


    He stopped at that. After all, Charles was stronger and could sense his aura. It would have been too shocking for him to digest if he jumped from the initial stage of 4-star to the final stage in mere minutes.


    Skyler felt giddy. He had found another awesome thing about himself.


    Now, he can get stronger even faster! It wouldn¡¯t be long before he surpassed all the geniuses of this generation!


    To think he was just a regular human a bit over a month ago... No one would believe it!


    Charles grew concerned for Skyler as he watched him daydream. To make matters worse, he was even grinning foolishly.


    It was Riruru whose cold body touched his chin and snapped him out of his thoughts.


    Skyler cleared his throat, embarrassed.


    "Sorry. I was thinking about this and that. Haha. Come on, let¡¯s enter the tree trunk!"


    He jumped into the hole in the tree trunk with Riruru. Charles followed behind.


    Before long, they were standing in the familiar boss chamber. There was no boss monster, and everything in the chamber had returned to its original place, with no sign of battle. Even the dead bodies of the villains had been absorbed by the ground, leaving behind only their clothes and accessories.


    Charles glanced around.


    "I guess a new boss hasn¡¯t spawned yet. Well, it usually takes around a week for a new boss to appear. The last one probably got strong because no one was able to kill it for a long time due to a certain snake."


    Riruru flinched at his words. She didn¡¯t understand, but she knew he was talking about her. This person usually referred to her as ¡¯snake¡¯. She had learned many new words in the past few days, and the best one among them was Skyler¡¯s name.


    Skyler noticed her glaring at Charles and chuckled softly. He suddenly caressed her cold body, and she shuddered at the warm, intimate touch that sent a jolt through her.


    With a huff, she placed her head on his shoulder, ignoring Charles.


    Skyler moved toward the dimension core, which was now floating in a corner since the spider web had disappeared.


    While Charles went to find the two villains¡¯ storage rings, only to scoff when he found they were linked and would self-destruct if he tried to forcefully access them.


    "What a waste. They didn¡¯t even leave behind anything useful after they died."


    Charles muttered, his voice laced with frustration. He walked toward Skyler, who had, for some reason, bent down near the core and was examining something.


    "What¡¯s that? A scroll?!"


    His eyes widened. It was a spell scroll!

 Chapter 66: A Spell Scroll II

    Skyler stood up with a nod.


    "Yes, I guess it¡¯s the reward for the Giant Crimson Venom Spider that was killed by Scar and Dread. It didn¡¯t vanish."


    Charles came beside him to watch what spell the scroll held, as Skyler unrolled the soft, paper-like fabric. Charles tsked.


    "The drop rate of spell scrolls is very low. But it dropped when they killed the boss. They were some lucky bastards."


    Skyler grimaced at the mention of luck. Damn, this was his sore spot. They both saw the ancient language engraved in the white scroll. Charles was able to read the words since he had learned a few spells before and knew about the language.


    It was a Novice-tier fire element spell, ¡¯Burning Touch¡¯, which infused the user¡¯s hand with burning fire, allowing them to deal minor fire damage with a touch.


    Charles rubbed his chin.


    "The spell isn¡¯t hard. I can master it in two days, but before that, I have to form my fire elemental crystal. What about you?"


    He paused suddenly.


    "Do you have affinity with fire?"


    Skyler was surprised at his words.


    "No, I don¡¯t. But it will take you 2 days to master this spell? Why so long? Shouldn¡¯t a read-over be enough? I just memorized it when I grasped the meaning. The language is hard to comprehend, but it¡¯s easy if we understand the process of the spell."


    Charles stared at him as if he was joking. How the hell can someone learn a spell by reading it once? Even if it was just a novice tier spell, it wasn¡¯t possible! But Skyler¡¯s eyes told him he wasn¡¯t joking at all.


    "Haha, no way... I don¡¯t believe you! It¡¯s simply impossible!"


    Skyler flashed a smug smile. He was getting more awesome with time. He cringed at his own thought.


    ¡¯Damn! This is all 505¡¯s fault!¡¯


    If 505 could hear his words, it would have cried in protest! What did it even do when it wasn¡¯t even present at the scene?!


    Skyler tossed the scroll to Charles, who caught it before it fell down.


    "I want to show you that I¡¯m not lying. But unfortunately, I can¡¯t use the fire element. Hehe, so I will show you when I get a spell related to my element at the academy."


    "Let¡¯s break the core."


    Charles watched his back silently as he drew his spear and, with all his strength, began to strike the floating core.


    "You are so annoying... Why the hell didn¡¯t you learn any basic spells when you have such a good comprehension ability?"


    Skyler chuckled softly.


    "Will you believe me if I said it¡¯s because a bit over a month ago I was just an ordinary person and had no need to learn spells?"


    Charles grumbled. How unfair. He sighed and started helping him break the crystal core so they could finally leave. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was surprising that his cold exterior had faded, and life had returned to his detached eyes. If a week ago someone told him he would change so much in such a short time, he would have called them crazy.


    Riruru watched them silently, curious why they were breaking the glowing core that gave off a weird power she couldn¡¯t eat.


    She watched as cracks spiderwebbed across its smooth surface and white and gray currents began to escape the cracks.


    Skyler and Charles drew back momentarily and attacked it again with all their strength.


    With a resounding boom, the core finally shattered, sending a last wave of current rippling outward. After all, it wasn¡¯t hard to break a crystal core if one truly wanted to.


    The currents gathered in the center of the chamber, and the space trembled slightly before a flickering portal formed.


    Charles and Skyler hurried toward the unstable portal. They had to leave, as it would close in a minute! Suddenly, Charles stopped and glanced at Riruru.


    "Are we taking her with us?"


    Skyler shot him a disbelieving look. Riruru had helped them in finding so many herbs, and he still wanted to leave her behind? No way! Even if he had to beat some sense into Charles, he would take her with him!


    "I kidnapped her. She¡¯s mine now!"


    Charles rolled his eyes, speechless. He didn¡¯t mean it in any wrong way!


    Riruru wasn¡¯t any ordinary beast. She was strong, and they were taking her from the crystal. He was just worried her presence would alert the people outside.


    If Skyler¡¯s status was really what he had told him, shouldn¡¯t someone be out there waiting for him, unlike his family?


    "You¡¯re very weird sometimes. It wouldn¡¯t be very helpful since the Lights might be able to sense her presence. But just hide her, I don¡¯t want her to get taken away from you by powerful Lights when we are out there."


    Skyler¡¯s eyes widened at his words. He hadn¡¯t considered this since his dad was the guild leader. He grabbed Riruru.


    "They dare! No one is allowed to!"


    He glanced at Riruru and muttered.


    "Sorry, I know it will be uncomfortable. But can you hide inside my clothes? Just until we are in a safe place."


    She blinked in surprise but understood what he wanted when he grabbed the front of his shirt and made space for her to slip in.


    Skyler flinched when her cold body slid inside his shirt and touched his skin.


    "That... tickles! Don¡¯t move too much!"


    Charles wore a blank expression as he watched Skyler look inside his shirt and reprimand Riruru for being naughty.


    What the hell was even going on?? That was a freaking snake! You idiot! This was what he wanted to shout, but he held his tongue. It seems his first true friend after so long was not completely sane.


    Skyler furrowed his brows when he felt her moving around again. He chose to ignore her for now and moved toward the portal.


    Charles rubbed his temples. Ultimately, he pushed everything to the back of his mind to avoid making any misguided deductions, like how Skyler might have a strange fetish.


    He watched as the ash-brown-haired youth jumped into the portal and followed behind.


    The portal disappeared behind them, dissolving into the surroundings. Then, a mechanical voice echoed in the air.


    (Initiating the detachment protocol for a minor dimension from universe #578


    Returning the fragment to the enslaved universe that has lost the eligibility.)

 Chapter 67: You’re coming with me I

    Standing before the floating crystal, where Skyler and Charles were, on the rooftop of the building, the middle-aged man assigned with keeping an eye on it sighed wearily.


    Caspian moved back and settled into his chair. He looked exhausted. His eyes were shadowed by dark circles, and his rumpled clothes indicated he hadn¡¯t left this place since the moment he was assigned here.


    The orange crystal had long since turned white, yet it had remained sealed. No one knows what the two kids are doing inside, or if they are even alive. Let alone the kids, they had no idea about the villains either.


    Caspian groaned. His mind filled with questions as to why the hell they weren¡¯t coming out. Are they planning to remain inside the crystal forever or something?


    "If they don¡¯t come out today as well, I¡¯m leaving for a few hours to rest."


    He rubbed his temples. The two other Lights hiding on the rooftop didn¡¯t respond. Their condition was just as bad as his, and they just wanted to go home and rest!


    In all their years working for Loyd and Johnson guild, this was the first time they were so sleep-deprived! Now they knew the pain of their fellow colleagues who skipped sleep to find Skyler in the preliminary test!


    The three of them were powerful Adept tier Lights, but now they looked as if they would collapse any second, let alone fight anyone. One of them was even dozing off.


    That¡¯s why, when the floating white crystal before them shook suddenly, and a familiar young figure leaped out of its surface, they all nearly cried out in joy.


    Mid-air, Skyler¡¯s eyes widened in alarm as his feet found no purchase. He plummeted down the stairs created to reach the crystal, a scream escaping his lips as he attempted to protect Riruru first and foremost.


    However, before he could land face-first and break a bone or two, Caspian swiftly grabbed him by the shoulders.


    The middle-aged man, clad in dark brown attire suitable for combat, stared at him.


    "Are you alright?"


    Skyler laughed dryly, one of his hands grabbing Riruru who was inside his shirt.


    "Seems so... I shouldn¡¯t have jumped."


    Caspian nodded, his expression alert and solemn as he watched the crystal, ready to face the villains if they were still alive.


    Skyler stumbled to his feet and moved away from the place. Caspian understood why when another young figure leaped out of the crystal in a very similar manner.


    Charles gasped as he plummeted, but fortunately, he was caught by the collar. His face flushed as he met the pointed stare of the middle-aged light, who questioned why they had both jumped out when they could have walked through the exit portal.


    He cursed inwardly, glaring at Skyler.


    ¡¯Damnit... why the hell did I follow this idiot¡¯s footsteps when I knew that crystals are always floating in higher locations!¡¯ S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Caspian checked the two kids to ensure they were fine. His gaze lingered on Skyler. He was certain the guild leader¡¯s son was hiding something under his shirt, but since he couldn¡¯t sense anything, he let it go.


    The two hiding Lights didn¡¯t show up, but they watched the crystal. However, no one else emerged from the crystal. Then, under everyone¡¯s eyes, the crystal, twice the size of a human, shattered into tiny sparks.


    Skyler stared at the bright particles that vanished into thin air. His eyes filled with regret as he muttered under his breath.


    "What a pity... It was so beautiful."


    His words made Charles speechless. So, now this obsessed boy even wanted the crystal leading to another dimension?!


    Caspian cleared his throat to get their attention. His tired face had brightened to see they were both completely fine. He had no idea what happened to the villains, but he was sure the kids had suffered a lot.


    This must have been a truly traumatic experience for the two, considering neither of them had ever entered a crystal before.


    If only Caspian knew that their time in the dimension was the best time of their lives, who knows how he would have reacted?


    Regardless, he was surprised to find that one of them was a 5-star and one a 4-star.


    "You two should sit down and rest. I will contact the guild leader and..."


    He turned to Charles.


    "Your family as well. They will be happy to see you back safe and sound."


    Charles¡¯ expression hardened. Happy? No, his parents would be furious if they found he had survived yet again.


    "There¡¯s no need to contact my family. My parents are rather ¡¯busy¡¯ people. I will take my leave. I know my way home."


    He tried to slip away before Caspian could say anything further, but Skyler grabbed his collar from behind with a scoff.


    "Where do you think you¡¯re going, huh? You¡¯re coming with me."


    Charles gasped and glared back, but the ash-brown-haired youth ignored him.


    Skyler turned to the middle-aged man.


    "Sorry, sir. I have to trouble you. Can you please get us a ride? I want to go home. I know my parents must be busy if they are not here. It would be better for me to wait for them at home. Moreover, I really don¡¯t want to meet them in this condition."


    He grimaced as he glanced at his clothes. He needed a bath very urgently at that.


    Caspian was silent, unable to believe how easily Skyler was conversing with him. He had heard whispers about him since Skyler came to train in the guild gym. Wasn¡¯t this kid supposed to be very shy?


    He also didn¡¯t look like he had emerged from a crystal filled with monsters. Instead, he looked as if he had just returned from a short trip to the park. What happened to the fragile boy everyone in the guild spoke of, the one they thought needed protection?


    Many ladies in the guild were even distressed when they found out he had been teleported to the preliminary test!


    Caspian rubbed his brows. It seemed he shouldn¡¯t believe in rumors. Unbeknownst to him, this was all because Skyler became very quiet and withdrawn after awakening only a 1-star potential, and his good looks made him seem like a sulking, quiet angel.


    "Alright, I will drop you home. But first, let me speak with the guild leader."


    With that, he turned to call Johnson.


    Charles glared at Skyler.


    "Now let go of my collar, will you?"


    Skyler¡¯s lips stretched into a smirk.


    "Hehe, you think I don¡¯t know you are planning to run away? I told you, let¡¯s go to the Starlight Academy together. Then let¡¯s go together. Also..."


    He showed him his storage ring.


    "...we have not divided the spoils of our hard work yet! I know I am a jerk, but I don¡¯t like going back on my word."


    Charles rolled his eyes as Skyler finally released him. He cast a glance at his shirt where Riruru was concealed, and sneered.


    "As if I don¡¯t know you want us to get in trouble together if your lil secret gets out! Why do I have to suffer alongside you?"


    Skyler was taken aback that Charles had figured out his plan. Damn, he has a brain. At times like this, he really missed 505. A sly grin spread across his face.


    "Because we are good friends, and good friends always suffer together."


    "You are a jerk, you know?"


    "Thanks for the compliment."

 Chapter 68: You’re coming with me II

    A while later, Skyler stepped out of the car that Caspian had driven, alongside Charles. He glanced at the evening sky and sighed.


    "Finally back home!"


    Without looking back at the middle-aged man, seated in the dark car, who was still glancing at his shirt with a narrowed gaze, he grabbed Charles and practically ran off, dragging him toward the building where he lived with his parents.


    The ride wasn¡¯t peaceful at all!


    He was sure he had sweated profusely while trying his best not to laugh when Riruru wriggled around on his stomach! It was so ticklish! To make matters worse, Caspian was staring at him like a hawk!


    Only when Skyler entered the lift and reached his apartment did he feel relieved.


    He quickly shut the door behind him and even locked it before collapsing onto the floor near the doorway.


    "That was crazy! Just what the heck was wrong with that Caspian guy? He nearly burned holes in my skin with his stare!"


    Charles chuckled as he watched him wipe his forehead and sat down next to him.


    "You were so polite in front of him, where¡¯s that politeness now? Tsk. Anyway, will your parents be okay with me staying here?"


    He surveyed the house. It wasn¡¯t small, but it wasn¡¯t huge either. Yet, he could sense a cozy atmosphere that his own house lacked.


    Skyler¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t focused on him. He was preoccupied with the snake that had tormented him for an hour.


    "Ri-ru-ru!"


    He called her name loudly, each syllable deliberate. She flinched and then peeked out from inside his shirt when he grabbed the front of it and glared down at her.


    "Come out now!"


    Skyler¡¯s anger melted when she blinked her sparkling eyes cutely and touched his chin with her head, almost as if she knew he would let her go if she acted adorably.


    He tsked and pulled her out of his shirt.


    "Just where did you learn to act so cute, huh? I do not recall teaching you this!"


    Setting her down so she could take in the apartment he called home, he pointed out.


    "I know it feels a bit cramped, especially since you would have preferred a big forest. But this is where you will be living for now."


    He glanced at Charles.


    "You too, my parents aren¡¯t strict. They actually wanted me to bring friends home because I used to bring a lot of them over when I was younger to play video games, but I stopped two years ago." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Charles nodded and watched Skyler scold Riruru when she tried to climb his arm. He was amused at how Skyler could scold her every time with so much enthusiasm when it was clear she couldn¡¯t understand him.


    "Thanks... I wouldn¡¯t bother you for long. I will go and find a place to live."


    Skyler groaned and stretched his body.


    "Why are you in such a hurry to leave? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m charging you rent. Besides, we are not going to stay here for long. We are going to leave for the academy when I am done talking with my parents."


    He dragged his feet toward his room. Now that he was finally home, he felt so tired.


    "Come with me. I¡¯ll open the room next to mine. You can use it. My sister used to live there, but because she hasn¡¯t been back for years, my mom got angry and turned it into a guest room last year."


    "You have a sister?"


    "Yeah. She¡¯s the same age as you."


    Charles followed behind him, looking around the house. He wasn¡¯t surprised to see Skyler¡¯s room filled with odd trinkets that sparkled even in the dimly lit space. He would have been if it wasn¡¯t.


    Rummaging around, Skyler took out some new clothes he hadn¡¯t worn yet and handed them to him before patting his shoulder.


    "Good, you are the same size as me."


    Charles¡¯ eyebrow twitched. This bastard. Height was a sensitive subject for men. But no, he always had to poke fun at that, even though he himself was short.


    "Shut up."


    Skyler chuckled and showed him the shower in the room next to his. Then, he grabbed some clothes, removed Riruru, who was clinging to him, and decided to take a bath. The snake wanted to follow him, but he stopped her midway with a stern look.


    "Nope, you are not allowed. Wait on the bed. Okay. I will be done soon."


    With that, he closed the door.


    Riruru glared at the closed door, feeling unjustly treated. She tried to find a way in, but failed. The weird wall blocked her path, preventing her from following him as she had in the forest when he would suddenly leave her with Charles on a few occasions to change clothes or relieve himself.


    As a matter of fact, she had already seen him naked, so what was the point of not taking her with him now?


    She wanted to break through the wall, but thinking Skyler would be angry, she didn¡¯t.


    Huffing and puffing, she paced his room. Ultimately, bored, she went out and looked around the living room.


    Her eyes narrowed as she sensed a strong and calm aura near the wall that Skyler had opened earlier to enter this place.


    She watched as a woman with tied-up long dark hair and blue eyes entered the house, carrying a grocery bag in her hand.


    "I am back..."


    Jenny whispered, only to sigh when she realized her parents were still not back. It seemed they had a lot of work at the guild. After all, recently, for some reason, a lot of crystals were turning orange.


    She had returned this morning. Having informed no one about her visit, she wasn¡¯t surprised to find the house empty. But she wondered where her brother had gone, especially since today was sunday.


    Despite the professors¡¯ objections, she had taken a week¡¯s vacation from the academy and returned as quickly as possible, just to apologize to Sky for what she did.


    Yet he was nowhere to be found.


    Almost as if he had vanished into thin air.


    After waiting for a few hours in the empty house, she left to get something fresh and easy to make when she felt bored. But since she was wearing her uniform, some aunties stopped her, delaying her return home.


    Jenny noticed the two dirty pairs of shoes by the doorway. Her light blue eyes narrowed in alert, and her voice became louder.


    "Is someone here?"


    She raised her eyes, only to meet a pair of glowing red ones staring at her. The grocery bag in her hand dropped as she sensed the raw power of the beast before her. Her heart pounded, overwhelmed by the sight of such a dangerous creature in her home.


    Riruru blinked, her instincts telling her that this person was connected to Skyler. She had no idea why she felt that, but she did.


    She hesitated, choosing not to attack, but was startled when the woman before her let out a cry and charged at her.


    Riruru rushed back toward Skyler¡¯s room as Jenny drew her whip, shouting behind her.


    "Stop right there!"

 Chapter 69: What actually went down here?

    Skyler lay in the built-in bathtub with his eyes closed, humming. It was peaceful and wonderful because he enjoyed taking baths, especially cold ones. That¡¯s why, even after scrubbing himself clean, he stayed in the bath and didn¡¯t go out for quite some time.


    But the peace shattered when he heard a loud sound of something breaking outside. The sound was so loud that despite the soundproof walls, it reached his ears.


    "What¡¯s going on now??"


    He stepped out of the bathtub, nearly tripping over his own feet in his haste.


    Cursing under his breath, he pulled on his briefs and trousers before rushing out of the bathroom without bothering with the rest of his clothes.


    His face blanched as the ground trembled beneath him. Had his house been attacked by villains or something?? He bolted out of his room, only to freeze as Charles¡¯s form slammed into the wall near his room.


    "Who the hell!"


    Skyler roared, his eyes darkening at the sight of the coughing young man. He drew his spear and turned, ready to fight whoever had dared trespass in his house and harmed Charles, but paused when he saw Jenny standing amidst the wrecked living room.


    She has halted as well, likely drawn by the sound of his voice and the sight of him. In her hand was the familiar water whip, which was coiled around Riruru¡¯s small figure, who was struggling to break free.


    Jenny parted her lips, seeing him. Startled to see he had reached the middle stage of 4-star. How did he do that?


    "Sky...?"


    Skyler clenched his spear, anger evident in his gaze, and he raised his voice.


    "Jenny Ironhart!"


    She looked shocked at how he had called out her full name. Before she could recover, Riruru broke free from her whip and with all her speed rushed toward Skyler. Jenny¡¯s eyes widened, and she followed.


    "Be careful¡ª"


    Her words were cut short, her footsteps coming to a stop as she finally noticed her brother¡¯s dark expression. He actually bent down to let the snake climb his arm.


    "You... that¡¯s a dangerous monster!"


    She shouted, but Skyler¡¯s glare silenced her. He stroked Riruru, his eyes filled with worry, shocking his sister who watched him.


    "Are you okay, Ri? You can tell me if that person hurt you anywhere."


    He was relieved to find no injuries on her body. But his eyes narrowed because, from what he had witnessed when he arrived, it was clear that only Jenny had attacked.


    "Why didn¡¯t you fight back?"


    Riruru blinked back, telling him she didn¡¯t understand what he was saying, and Skyler had no idea what to do with her anymore.


    Charles groaned behind him and stumbled to his feet, glaring daggers at Skyler¡¯s head. He had only been hit by one strike, yet he felt as if all his organs were shaken.


    "You sure took your sweet time in the bath. I nearly died without even knowing why."


    Skyler turned to him, completely ignoring Jenny, who looked as if she had a hundred questions she wanted to ask him.


    "What actually went down here?"


    Charles patted his clothes clean.


    "I don¡¯t know. I was in the room when I heard the commotion. When I came out, I saw that woman..."


    He pointed at Jenny, who flinched.


    "...attacking Riruru. So, I rushed to help, but as you saw, I was flung back. That¡¯s it."


    Skyler rubbed his temples, trying to ease the throbbing pain. He couldn¡¯t believe the short time he spent in the bath had caused such a commotion. Still, it was his fault.


    "Are you okay? I¡¯m so sorry. I should have informed my family about you, but I thought I would just talk to my parents when they¡¯re back. I had no idea she... would be back so suddenly when she hadn¡¯t for years."


    Charles was surprised by the heartfelt apology. It seems despite his mischievous nature, Skyler knew how to apologize. Even adults often found it difficult to do so.


    Still, he wondered why Skyler called that lady ¡¯she¡¯ instead of ¡¯sister¡¯, when the way she entered the house so easily and talked with him made it obvious they were family.


    Was their relationship strained? Well, it wasn¡¯t his place to interfere.


    "I¡¯m fine. Nothing serious. Just..."


    Charles leaned in closer and whispered.


    "You know ¡¯she¡¯ is glaring at me. Her blue eyes are scary, unlike yours. Go handle your matter. I will wait in your room."


    He patted his shoulder and entered his room, leaving behind a few words.


    "Also, put on a shirt, will you? Riruru is taking advantage of you."


    Skyler blinked and glanced at Riruru, and Charles was right because her lower body was roaming around his waist.


    "Riruru."


    He called out, and she looked at him with an aggrieved look in her eyes. She had even restrained herself from attacking Jenny for his sake, yet he was still getting angry!


    With a sigh, Skyler let her be. He turned to Jenny who hadn¡¯t moved from her place.


    "Don¡¯t just attack anyone if they aren¡¯t attacking you first... At least, know who they are before you attack." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jenny stared at him. Though she was clearly the stronger of the two, she couldn¡¯t understand why he seemed so much more powerful standing before her. She had seen him during the preliminary test, standing on the battle stage so confidently. At that time, she could still see her little brother within him. The little brother she knew.


    However, in such a short time, her little brother had transformed so drastically that she could barely recognize him. His voice and face had matured.


    It finally dawned on her that the brother she knew had grown up. When did this happen? She hadn¡¯t even noticed. Was it because of her? Because she left him to die? Or was it because she, like others, felt ashamed of him for awakening such a low potential?


    She hadn¡¯t come back home all these years, ignored him. Did that change him? So much had gone down between them... could they really go back to the way they were?


    "I..."


    Skyler saw the complicated emotions swirling in her eyes. He scoffed inwardly because he knew what she wanted to say. He recognized the look on her face¡ªregret.


    However, amidst the regret, he could also see something else¡ªfrustration. That¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t ready to listen, not yet. He would forgive her. How could he not? She was his older sister. But not now. He would forgive her when she genuinely wanted him to.


    So, he changed the subject.


    "Why are you back?"


    Jenny swallowed the apology that was at the tip of her lips. She glanced around.


    "This is my home too..."


    Skyler wanted to ask her then why the hell she hadn¡¯t come back for so long, but he held back. Instead, he nodded at her.


    "Sorry... I brought a friend home. I didn¡¯t know you would be here. So, you should apologize to him. He is my guest, and you attacked him. As for Riruru, don¡¯t touch her again. Because I won¡¯t stand for it."


    Jenny¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. Does he even know how powerful that snake is? It could kill him with a single strike! And he¡¯s protecting it instead of taking her side?


    "Sky!"


    She exclaimed, her voice rising in indignation and laced with disbelief.


    "That snake is very dangerous! You can¡¯t sense it because you are weak, but I can!"


    Skyler tilted his head, not surprised at all. Riruru had killed two powerful villains in the crystal in front of him. He didn¡¯t need anyone to tell him just how strong she was.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter."


    He said dismissively.


    "Just mind your own business... like how you did when I was standing on the Battle Stage in the preliminary test and needed a weapon to fight, yet you didn¡¯t offer one despite knowing how desperately I needed it."


    Jenny¡¯s eyes trembled. So this was why he was so angry? This was why he was siding with that snake instead of his own sister? She knew she had made some mistakes, but she was ready to own up to them!


    "It was better for you to leave that stage! You know that too! You were angering the crowd around you by staying on that Battle stage! They would have attacked you the moment you had left the stage! Even if Max, I, and the others had helped you, we weren¡¯t strong enough to fight so many people!"


    Skyler closed his eyes.


    This is why he didn¡¯t want to hear her apology. She still hadn¡¯t truly understood what she did wrong. They weren¡¯t even yet talking about the time when she left him to die. Maybe she just didn¡¯t want to admit it.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why she was trying to justify her actions. He didn¡¯t ask for it and it wouldn¡¯t make them right.


    "Jenny, did I ever ask for your help? Did I ever ask you and Max to come down from the stage to help me? No, I never asked. All you had to do was throw me a weapon. But you didn¡¯t. Just admit it, you wanted me to get down from the Battle Stage because you thought I wasn¡¯t worthy. So, your friends who are worthy could climb it."


    He wanted to say more but stopped when her eyes turned red, as if she were about to cry, and sighed. He was still shirtless, so he turned away with a dismissive tone.


    "Let¡¯s just drop it. We both know it wasn¡¯t just about the weapon. It was about trust, and you didn¡¯t trust me. Please clean up the living room before Mom and Dad get back. You¡¯re the one who made the mess."

 Chapter 70: I am sorry

    Silence. That was what surrounded the whole apartment when Johnson and his wife finally returned home.


    The living room was still a mess because although Jenny cleaned it up, she couldn¡¯t do anything about the broken furniture.


    The couple was seated at the cracked dining table, staring at their daughter who stood before them with her head lowered.


    With a sigh, Riya closed her eyes for a moment. She and Johnson had already met with Skyler. Thankfully, he had returned safely and had even brought home a friend. The only problem was the 9-star snake clinging to him! They were still shocked that he had brought a powerful beast from the crystal without caring about his safety.


    It was true that the snake had killed the villains, but it was dangerous. Yet, Skyler had refused to send it to the forest or to a beast tamer, even when they asked him. He was being stubborn, and this time it wasn¡¯t due to anything sparkling or gems. It was due to a powerful elemental snake!


    Riya tapped her finger on the table.


    "You two are going to make us worry to death one day! One is attracting so much danger like a magnet, and the other..."


    She paused and stared at Jenny, who lowered her head further. They had been briefed about what had occurred in the living room by Skyler, who was asked to return to his room with Charles for the time being.


    "...had returned home after so many years only to make a mess! When I saw the broken furniture, I assumed some thieves had barged in while we were gone!"


    Johnson remained silent next to her, knowing better than to intervene. His wife was furious, and he knew it wasn¡¯t because of the condition of the living room. After all, they could always buy new furniture.


    Riya¡¯s sudden anger stemmed from her disappointment with Jenny. She loved her just as much as she loved Skyler, but many of her actions had deeply hurt her.


    She could accept Jenny¡¯s absence for the past four years, knowing her daughter had found her own path and was hailed as one of the geniuses, and didn¡¯t have time. She remained silent, even when Jenny left the day Skyler awakened as a 1-star light and hadn¡¯t contacted him for two years. But she finally had enough when she saw Jenny abandon him in a dangerous situation.


    Johnson was upset too, but he let his wife handle the situation. He wasn¡¯t the best with words, and he knew his involvement would only make things worse between their kids.


    Riya steeled herself, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. She didn¡¯t want to raise her voice at her daughter, especially since it was the first time she had done so.


    Jenny had always been a good girl, unlike the young Skyler who caused trouble.


    "Look at me, Jenny Ironhart! Don¡¯t you have something to say to us? To Skyler?"


    Jenny kept her head bowed, wiping the tears that streamed down her cheeks. A single thought consumed her: had Skyler told them about how she had claimed to her friends in the preliminary test that he was just a neighbor?


    She had no idea what he had told them and what he had not. Maybe he had exaggerated everything that occurred. If yes, that would explain why their parents were so angry.


    Also, didn¡¯t they see how dangerous the monster wave was? If she hadn¡¯t left, she and Skyler both would have died! Maybe they love Skyler more than her, and that¡¯s why her safety didn¡¯t matter to them.


    Jenny clenched her fists secretly and murmured softly, her voice breaking. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am sorry... I made a mistake."


    What mistake she made, she had no idea, since who knows what Skyler told them.


    Immediately, Riya hurried to her feet and walked toward her, pulling her into a hug.


    "Why are you crying, silly girl? I am your mother, don¡¯t take my words to heart."


    She patted her back, crying as well.


    "What you did was wrong. I know the situation was dangerous because of the monster wave, but you could have worked together with your friends and helped Sky since it was still far away. But I understand if you all panicked. In the end, you are all kids who lack experience. Just apologize to Sky. I don¡¯t want you two to hate each other."


    Jenny blinked. Ah, it seemed Skyler hadn¡¯t told them everything that happened in the preliminary test. She buried her face in her mother¡¯s shoulder, feeling a bit relieved.


    She would apologize to Skyler. Yes, she would, and ask him not to tell their parents about the fact that she introduced him as a neighbor to her friends. She was in the wrong, so she would admit her mistake.


    Then, everything would be fine.


    Just the way it was before.


    "Mom, I don¡¯t hate Skyler. I will apologize to him as well. I will talk to him. It was my fault for not contacting him all these years. As the older sister, I didn¡¯t set a good example."


    Riya nodded, a smile lighting up her face. To her, as long as both of her children were fine, everything would be okay.


    Johnson approached them and rubbed the ladies¡¯ backs with a heavy sigh. Jenny was just like her mother when it came to crying. Well, she was only 20 years old.


    ***


    Skyler stood against the wall beside his partially open room door, letting out a sigh.


    He heard everything Riya discussed with Jenny while shamelessly eating the salad that Jenny had prepared but couldn¡¯t enjoy. It was dinnertime, so who could blame him for grabbing whatever he could find?


    Charles sat on his bed, feeling out of place and speechless at Skyler¡¯s behavior. Riruru was sleeping on the computer table.


    "Why are you eavesdropping? Just go out."


    Skyler scoffed at him.


    "If I could, I would have. Don¡¯t you think there¡¯s a reason they sent us away? They wanted to talk with Jenny."


    Charles nodded. He didn¡¯t want to pry into Skyler¡¯s family matters. However, he had already gleaned the gist of everything from what he had overheard in the house. That¡¯s why he couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    "Do you hate your sister?"


    He immediately regretted the question. Having no sister himself, he had no idea how to navigate such a sensitive topic.


    Skyler remained silent for a moment, his gaze distant. He was certain he didn¡¯t hate Jenny. He felt angry, yes, but not hatred.


    "No, I don¡¯t. I will forgive her when the time is right. Besides, we have plenty of time to mend things. She is studying at Starlight Academy, where we will both be going.


    Charles nodded, understanding. He was right. Unlike him, whose family seemed to loathe him, they had a lot of time to heal their relationship.


    Skyler¡¯s eyes drifted to Riruru¡¯s sleeping figure. It had been a battle to convince his parents not to send her away.


    His gaze stopped at the computer before he turned back to Charles with a smile.


    "Wanna play some games?"


    Charles blinked, a bit surprised.


    "Games?"


    Skyler nodded with an evil grin. But before the two could play, his mom called them for dinner. So they had to postpone their plans.


    Dinner was a simple affair, consisting of sandwiches, eggs, and a small salad since Riya hadn¡¯t had much time to prepare after everything that had happened that day.


    Jenny and Riya both had puffy eyes from crying so much. Skyler didn¡¯t avert his gaze whenever Jenny looked at him. His emotions had already settled, so he was just waiting for them to sit down and talk.


    Riruru woke up while they were eating and rushed out of his room with a gloomy look in her eyes. She was upset that Skyler hadn¡¯t woken her up to take her with him!


    Riya and Johnson were unaccustomed to seeing such a dangerous creature clinging to their son. Skyler even placed her on the table so she could eat with them. But they readily accepted the situation when Riruru blinked at them cutely. It seemed the snake wasn¡¯t that dangerous after all.


    Skyler chuckled softly when his mother reached out to touch Riruru.


    "She is cute, right?"


    Riya nodded, her face serious as Riruru lowered her head to let her touch her.


    Riruru understood that Skyler loved these people, even though she had no concept of family. So, she didn¡¯t want to anger them.


    Riya¡¯s eyes widened at how smooth her white scales felt, and she smiled.


    "Oh... she is really not dangerous!"


    After that, Riruru was kidnapped by Riya, and Skyler could only laugh as his mom fed the snake everything delicious.


    Charles watched the family silently. It felt warm. Unlike his home. It was true Skyler fought with his sister, but at the end of the day, they were all sitting together, laughing.


    When they were done with dinner, Skyler finally gave his storage ring to his father.


    "Dad, help us sell all the herbs in there."

 Chapter 71: This doesn’t add up

    Johnson glanced at the storage ring pushed towards him, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Herbs were precious in Eldoria due to their use in alchemy, and Skyler claimed to have found some.


    He picked up the ring, looking at Charles and Skyler, who were seated before him.


    "Did you two find them in the crystal? Considering you are giving me the strong ring, I believe there are a lot of them. Maybe you two lucked out and found a cluster of them growing together in an area. How many are there? Five? Ten..."


    His words trailed off as he peered into the storage ring and saw what it held. Instantly, a bead of sweat formed on his forehead, and he let out a weak laugh.


    "Ah... haha..."


    He, Skyler, and Charles were still seated at the dining table. Jenny had retreated to her room to sleep, and Riya, who was watching them from the kitchen with Riruru, inquired what had happened when she saw her husband wiping his forehead.


    Johnson glanced at her.


    "No, nothing dear."


    Then, he stared at his son and Charles.


    "How did you two find so many herbs? I can see different types, and there are more than 50. Some of them are even adept and epic tier, given the Evol they are emanating!"


    Skyler perked up at his words. His eyes sparkled, already counting the start coins that were going to rain in. He gave Charles a grin and leaned toward his father.


    "Dad, why do you think we spent so many days in that damn crystal where we lacked basic necessities like clothes, and the only thing we could eat was bland meat?"


    He then turned his head toward Riruru.


    Johnson¡¯s eyes widened as he grasped what his son was implying.


    "Oh... So, you two got Riruru¡¯s help. How? Typically, monsters below 10-star lack the ability to understand us. Only beast tamers who have learned to interact with monsters can talk with them. Is Riruru an intelligent beast, capable of thought and speech?"


    Skyler moved back with a sigh.


    "No, she can¡¯t speak or comprehend our language. However, I¡¯m positive she¡¯s very intelligent and can understand us. When we were in the crystal, she found a healing herb and gave it to me when she saw me tending to Charles who was injured. Then, I showed her a drawing of that herb, and she led us to more herbs. This indicates she¡¯s capable of understanding and responding as long as she gets what¡¯s being communicated."


    Johnson nodded. It seems finding Riruru was the actual stroke of luck for the kids. She not only killed the dangerous villains but also helped them locate precious herbs.


    "She¡¯s from that crystal, so naturally she knew every nook and cranny of it. But how did a powerful elemental snake end up in a place teeming with spiders?"


    Skyler shook his head. He didn¡¯t know the answer to this question either, and it wasn¡¯t like he could ask Riruru. She can¡¯t speak.


    "It¡¯s a mystery. Maybe one day she will be able to speak. Then we will find out."


    He glanced at Riruru with a smile.


    Johnson narrowed his eyes, feeling something amiss with that infatuated smile. He frowned and shook his head.


    ¡¯What am I thinking? She is a snake.¡¯


    He knocked on the table to get his son¡¯s attention. After storing the herbs from his storage ring into his own, he returned it.


    "These herbs will take some time to sell. Nowan City is too small, not many people here can afford them. I¡¯ll send someone to auction them off outside the city to get the best price. If you two need star coins, you can get them from me until then."


    Skyler gave him an okay sign.


    "Dad, Charles and I are going to split the star coins earned from the herbs 50/50. Since you¡¯re the one selling them, you can take your share from the total amount, as we have decided to be independent!"


    Charles agreed with him. They had already discussed this. He was indebted to Skyler and didn¡¯t want to be any more indebted.


    Johnson chuckled. Sure, the words his son had just spoken weren¡¯t his own. Skyler was shameless, he knew that. No way would he come up with the word ¡¯independent¡¯ on his own. It seemed he had found a good friend.


    "No need, son. It¡¯s the least I can do as a father. Besides, I won¡¯t be able to help you once you¡¯re at the academy."


    He reached out to ruffle his hair.


    "You are given a special pass to enter the academy without any tests. However, you still need to pay your fee. Unlike many other academies, students at Starlight Academy are required to earn and pay their own fees at the end of every year. No external help is allowed. So, you can be independent there."


    Skyler¡¯s eyes widened. What? Why hadn¡¯t he been informed about this before? Does that mean the academy was going to work him and Charles to the bone?


    "Fuc..."


    He nearly cursed out loud, but his father¡¯s stern eyes sealed his lips midway. Right, cursing wasn¡¯t allowed in the house.


    Johnson glanced at his watch. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Look how late it is. You two should get some sleep. I will get you both new phones and transfer some star coins to you. After all, you need to do some shopping before you leave for the academy."


    He glanced at Charles.


    "I wil get you a storage ring as well."


    Skyler stood up. A bit aggrieved at how he had to work hard to pay his own fees at the academy. He was starting to regret getting so hyped up for the academy.


    Riruru climbed his arm, but suddenly he turned to his father, pointing at Charles.


    "Wait, where will he sleep?"


    Johnson glanced back at him.


    "In your room, since Jenny is back."


    "But there¡¯s only one bed in my room! And it¡¯s a single bed! How are we going to fit in?"


    Riya placed a steaming cup of coffee in front of Johnson, then settled beside him.


    "I have put extra bedding and blankets in your room. Sky, you should sleep on the floor tonight with Riruru."


    Skyler¡¯s let out a groan. How could he have forgotten this? Even when he was younger and brought friends home, his mom made him sleep on the floor because they only had three rooms in their apartment.


    He stroked Riruru¡¯s body.


    "Come on, Riruru. Looks like we are both sleeping on the cold floor tonight."


    He shot a pointed look at Charles, who shrugged with an innocent look. The two left, and Riya turned to Johnson.


    "So, what did you find?"


    He chuckled, taking a sip of his coffee.


    "Darling, I know you heard everything we discussed. As for the result the artifact showed, well, it wasn¡¯t very promising."


    He placed a small, round device before her which was emanating Evol, and she leaned forward, seeing the number displayed on it.


    "Just 5-star potential? How can this be? He¡¯s already at the middle stage of 4-star."


    Riya frowned slightly.


    "This doesn¡¯t add up."


    Johnson smiled in response.


    "Just let him be. Why are you worrying so much? We will know with time just how far he can go and what he can achieve."


    Riya sighed and nodded.


    "You are right..."


    Simultaneously, in Skyler¡¯s room, he was grumbling as he spread out the bedding on the floor to make a makeshift bed beside the bed for himself and Riruru. Charles watched him and suddenly spoke up.


    "I can sleep on the floor if you want."


    Skyler shuddered at his words.


    "No! You don¡¯t know Riya Ironhart. If she finds out about this, she¡¯s going to grab her slipper and throw it at me! She hasn¡¯t done this for the past two years, but that doesn¡¯t mean she has lost her touch!"


    Charles chuckled at Skyler¡¯s words. Sitting on the bed, he surveyed his room, his gaze drifting over the numerous, poorly executed hand-drawn sketches adorning the walls.


    "Did you draw all these?"


    Skyler glanced around, a sheepish grin spreading across his face.


    "Oh, I drew them back in school. I had this grand goal, you know, to become a master of runes, talismans, and inscriptions. I didn¡¯t even know what they were back then, I just saw some people on TV drawing symbols and harnessing elemental power through them. It looked pretty cool."


    Charles¡¯s lips twitched. So, he wanted to become a master of three such difficult crafts at the same time?


    Wow. Skyler¡¯s ambitions were already so grand when he was just a schoolboy, and he didn¡¯t even know what was happening in the outside world at that time.


    Skyler turned off the lights with a yawn.


    "Go to sleep. Finally, we¡¯re sleeping in a good place instead of on the forest floor."


    Charles nodded and covered himself with the blanket. He watched the room¡¯s ceiling for a long time, wondering how long it had been since he lay on such a comfortable bed. He turned to Skyler, who had already fallen asleep hugging Riruru.


    "Thank you for everything."

 Chapter 72: Where are you two headed?

    Early morning, Charles opened the room door when he heard a knock. He wasn¡¯t a late sleeper, so he had woken up early.


    Jenny stood outside, wearing a blouse tucked neatly into her jeans. Her dark hair cascaded down her shoulders. A nervous expression flickered across her face, but it vanished when she saw Charles.


    "Is Sky awake?"


    Charles stepped away from the doorway, glancing back at Skyler who was still asleep, without a care in the world, with Riruru sitting on his back, waiting for him to wake up.


    "No. As you can clearly see."


    Jenny nodded at him. She knew her brother was a heavy sleeper.


    "Can you wake him up?"


    Looking at her, Charles folded his arms. She was the same height as him. How annoying.


    He noticed Jenny was also beautiful. It seemed Skyler¡¯s whole family was blessed with good looks. His parents were striking, and he, too, was undeniably handsome.


    "Why don¡¯t you do it yourself? I believe you are here to talk with him. I will go out."


    He stepped out of the room, giving her space to enter, and left to get some water.


    Jenny stared at his retreating back for a few seconds before stepping into the room. She watched Skyler sleeping on the floor. At least this aspect of him hadn¡¯t changed.


    "Sky?"


    Her voice was soft as she moved and sat down beside him on the floor. Riruru stared at her as she reached out to run her fingers through his tousled ash-brown hair.


    Ah, how Riruru wanted to do that too. It would have felt nice, just like the sensation she felt whenever she touched his skin.


    Riruru glanced at her own form and, for the first time since she had created a physical body for herself, felt a pang of frustration.


    She should have created a body like the individuals Skyler cared for in this house, one that could walk on two long legs and run its slender fingers through his hair.


    From the moment she started following Skyler, everyone who saw her called her a ¡¯snake¡¯ or a ¡¯monster¡¯. They labeled her as something dangerous.


    She didn¡¯t like it. Not a least bit. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Initially, she had believed she was strong enough to fight off anyone who might try to keep her from staying with Skyler. But after leaving the crystal, she saw just how many people around Skyler were much stronger than her. Take Jenny, for instance.


    Thoughts like: What if he didn¡¯t like her anymore in the future because she looked so different than him? Or what if he left her behind because of the ones who called her dangerous? began to consume her mind.


    The intensity of her emotions was so powerful that her eyes began to glow. Riruru¡¯s soul resonated with her wish as the thought that she should change her form to be like those around Skyler appeared. Yes, if she was more like the people around him, they wouldn¡¯t think she is dangerous.


    Her head lolled to the side as a wave of dizziness washed over her, and with a soft sound, she slumped onto Skyler¡¯s back.


    Jenny noticed her glowing crimson eyes fluttering closed, but she didn¡¯t give it much thought. Her focus was entirely on Skyler.


    "Brother?"


    She whispered. Skyler wasn¡¯t sleeping. He had been awake since Charles woke up, but he was too lazy to get out of the blanket.


    He had noticed when Jenny stepped into his room but remained silent. Skyler had also sensed when Riruru¡¯s head slumped onto his back, and that worried him because, from the time he had spent with her, he knew Riruru was not someone who would fall asleep once she had woken up.


    ¡¯Did something happen?¡¯


    The train of his thoughts was interrupted when Jenny spoke up again.


    "I know you are awake. I can sense your breathing isn¡¯t steady like those asleep. Sky, I know I was wrong. So, I am sorry. Can you forgive your sister just this time? Okay?"


    Skyler couldn¡¯t see what expression Jenny wore or what emotions her eyes reflected, but he froze when a tear dropped onto his arm that was grabbing the pillow.


    He let out a deep sigh.


    "Why are you crying again?"


    He finally turned to her and found her head lowered with her hair covering her face.


    "Sister, you really are a big crybaby."


    Jenny¡¯s eyes widened. He called her sister. Not Jenny but sister. She wiped her eyes.


    "I am not a crybaby!"


    Skyler chuckled and reached out with his hand to softly pat her lap. No one noticed, not even he, but his blue eyes had a hint of white color within them.


    "Let¡¯s just leave everything behind, sister. We are siblings. Just like you, I don¡¯t hate you. Things happen sometimes. I am not that cruel to remember it my whole life."


    With these words, the lingering anger he still harbored toward her vanished entirely.


    She was only 20, and he was 18. They had a long life ahead of them, so it was better to mend things and move on rather than dwelling on the past. He just hoped now that Jenny had admitted her mistakes, she wouldn¡¯t repeat them.


    "Sis, can you help me get Riruru off my back? I need to take a bath and get ready quickly since Charles and I have a lot to do over the next few days."


    Jenny nodded, but hesitated to touch the snake. She was stronger than Riruru, but that didn¡¯t mean Riruru couldn¡¯t harm her.


    With a solemn expression, she grabbed the snake and pulled Riruru off his body. Skyler stretched and sat up, glancing at Riruru.


    "Ah, what¡¯s going on? Riruru is being touched by someone other than me, but she is still sleeping."


    He took her and covered her with the blanket, thinking she was probably tired. If Skyler hadn¡¯t sensed her steady breathing, he would have definitely panicked.


    A few hours later, having done breakfast, both Charles and Skyler were standing at the apartment¡¯s exit, clad in casual attire.


    Skyler was even wearing dark sunglasses, checking his new phone that Johnson had given them earlier that morning.


    Jenny watched them from the dining table, a puzzled expression on her face. She had thought they were getting ready for college, but their attire suggested otherwise.


    Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked her younger brother.


    "Where are you two headed?"


    Skyler tilted his head with a smirk and flashed the screen of his phone to her.


    "Shopping spree! Dad gave us a lot of star coins. We¡¯re not rich, but it¡¯s a lot. We are going to get new clothes, shoes, maybe even some new notebooks and pens."


    Jenny let out an ¡¯oh¡¯ and before she could ask why, Skyler gave her the answer.


    "After all, we need all the supplies since we are going to the Academy with you this time. Today¡¯s going to be a spending day."


    With that, Skyler turned to his mother, who was standing in front of the TV in the living room, checking if they needed to buy a new one because it was damaged when Jenny fought with Riruru yesterday.


    "Mom, Riruru is still sleeping. Please feed her something good and take care of her if she wakes up when I am not here."


    Riya gave him an okay sigh.


    Skyler turned around and left with Charles, thinking about riding his motorcycle, only to recall that it was confiscated by the college guards and he had yet to get it back.


    "Crap! We need to first go to the college!"


    They left in such a hurry that they didn¡¯t notice how Jenny¡¯s expression froze when she heard Skyler and Charles were going to the academy with her this time.


    She turned to her father, who was seated before her. The couple had taken a day off.


    "Dad, Sky is going to the academy?"


    Johnson¡¯s gaze was fixed on the tablet in his hand as he nodded at her. He was checking the guild matters, but he put down the tablet to look at her with a smile.


    "We were all so busy, so I forgot to tell you. Vice Principal Doris gave Skyler a special pass to enter the Starlight Academy. The requirements were that he had to return alive and pass the preliminary test, both of which he had successfully accomplished. Charles was given a special pass as well in the past, but he wasn¡¯t able to go due to some reason, so he would go with you two."


    Jenny¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    She wanted to point out that the Starlight Academy was a dangerous place, and even though Skyler¡¯s potential had risen a bit due to something he achieved in the preliminary test, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough to compete with the powerful students there.


    Skyler wouldn¡¯t be able to survive the fierce competition among the students!


    But she held back.


    ¡¯It¡¯s okay. I will take care of him there. He is my younger brother. It¡¯s okay if he¡¯s weak.¡¯

 Chapter 73: Leaving for the Academy

    "I feel lonely..."


    "Let¡¯s climb to the fifth level. Maybe we will find a fragment..."


    "The heavens aren¡¯t calm anymore..."


    "Just kill those who disobey..."


    "I was... never alive... Who am I?"


    "Another war is going to start..."


    "So cold..."


    Curled up inside the thick, warm blanket, multiple voices echoed in Riruru¡¯s head.


    She couldn¡¯t decipher many of them, and even when she could grasp some, she had no idea what they were saying.


    A chilling familiarity clung to them, as if they were fragments of her own soul, yet so distant, so utterly alien, that they might as well have been voices from the void.


    She wanted to reach them, but they were behind an impenetrable wall, so far beyond her reach that she couldn¡¯t even tell where.


    Riruru¡¯s consciousness drifted in and out, and after a long time, she was staring at a glowing fragment amidst inky darkness.


    It was quite small, but held a vast amount of divinity, a golden energy that pulsed with a soothing aura she had never seen.


    However, it flickered like a candle, as if it would be easily extinguished by a breeze.


    Riruru subconsciously recognized the glowing fragment in front of her. It was the core of her previous formless state, which had wandered aimlessly for 19 long years before coalescing into a physical body.


    She had no idea what it was, but even if no one had told her, one thing was undeniably clear: this small fragment was the origin of her existence and her consciousness.


    If anything were to happen to it, she would cease to exist. The thought made her sigh.


    Riruru was a powerful 9-star. However, her true existence, her soul, was so small and fragile, almost as if it were incomplete.


    She had never felt anything from her core except a sense of crisis, a feeling that her soul was losing its power with the passage of time and would soon disappear.


    This feeling was subconscious, and she never understood its true meaning.


    Suddenly, Riruru¡¯s vision blurred as the glowing fragment before her pulsed with a faint, ethereal golden light, as if expending some of its remaining power.


    Then, she heard them¡ªher own thoughts. They whispered faintly that she wanted to look like the people surrounding Skyler.


    She didn¡¯t want to be a snake.


    Her physical body started to glow with a faint light, and she gasped softly when she opened her eyes in the familiar dark room.


    No one was around her, not even Skyler. The door of the room was also closed.


    The faint light around her turned brilliant enough to illuminate the entire room.


    She blinked, and in the next second, a strange sensation washed over her. It felt as if her body had expanded, grown larger without her conscious effort.


    Riruru gaze dropped, falling upon the expanse of smooth, pale skin before her.


    Her eyes widened in shock as long, white hair cascaded over her lowered face. She parted her lips, but no sound escaped. So, she raised her stiff hands and watched the thin, slender fingers in a daze.


    Opposite her, the screen of the closed computer reflected a gorgeous image of a naked woman, seated with her legs bent at the knees within the folds of the blanket. A layer of smooth, white scales adorned her pale arms, shoulders, and exposed thighs, glowing with a brilliant white glow.


    Riruru was confused about how her body had transformed to resemble those around Skyler, but more than that, she was thrilled! So much so that she squealed with delight!


    How badly she wanted to call out to Skyler and show him her new form, but regrettably, she didn¡¯t know how to speak yet. Her body felt stiff and unresponsive, making it clear that it would take time for her to adjust.


    It took all her strength just to stand on her legs, which trembled slightly beneath her.


    However, the joy was short-lived.


    Before she could take her first step, the familiar brilliant light illuminated her form, returning it to its original appearance.


    Riruru panicked as she glanced down and saw her body with a tail and no limbs. She had returned to being a snake!


    Why?? She hadn¡¯t even shown Skyler her new form, and it was gone just like that!


    After the initial wave of panic subsided, Riruru felt anger and frustration toward someone who was busy shopping.


    Where the hell was Skyler?


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be with her? If he was, he would have seen her new form!


    She grumbled, promising to make him pay for leaving her side when he returned. She wouldn¡¯t interact with him as punishment!


    Simultaneously, Skyler, who was standing inside a clothing store buying whatever he liked, felt a strange sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    He looked back at Charles, who was more reserved, buying only what he needed.


    "Did you feel what I felt just now? Like someone is cursing me?"


    Charles raised a brow. He pointed at the shop staff who were behind them.


    "Probably one of the staff who are getting annoyed at you for throwing at them what you want to buy like a spoiled rich kid."


    Skyler¡¯s lips twitched.


    "It¡¯s to save time! This is how those who have a lot of star coins shop! The staff is surely happy since I¡¯m buying so much!"


    Charles rolled his eyes.


    "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say." S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They continued their shopping spree, unaware that an Adept-tier old man, along with another young Adept-tier Light, was watching them from the shadows. They were assigned by Johnson to watch over the kids to ensure nothing like what had happened at the college happened again.


    The old man shook his head with a sigh at how Skyler was spending so much.


    "The guild leader has a big pocket. He has given his son so many star coins to waste."


    Unlike him, the young woman next to him was more curious about why Skyler was buying so much and decided to inquire about what was going on in the guild.


    "Why care so much, sir? Let them. Kids nowadays like to spend a lot."


    ***


    Days of preparation passed, and finally, a week later, Skyler stood before his parents, dressed in a sleek black leather jacket over a cozy turtleneck and tailored jeans.


    Riruru was wrapped around his arm.


    He had no idea what had upset her, but the day he returned from shopping, she refused to even look at him. It took him an entire day just to get her to acknowledge him.


    Charles stood beside him, wearing a long-sleeved white shirt over gray pants.


    He wore a storage ring engraved with a hammer, similar to Skyler¡¯s storage ring.


    Unlike Skyler, who was buzzing with excitement, he felt nervous as it was finally time for them to leave for the Academy.


    Seated on the floor before the apartment exit, Jenny was lacing up her shoes.


    She glanced at the duo from the corners of her eyes and wondered how long they would be able to stay at the academy.


    She had decided to take care of Skyler, but that didn¡¯t mean she could guarantee that he would be able to advance there.


    The academy fostered talents and had a strict competition among students. That¡¯s why those who lagged always suffered, and in extreme cases, were even expelled.


    Skyler smiled at his parents. He wore thin, gold-rimmed glasses, which looked like he needed them for eyesight, but in reality, they were just a pair of stylish glasses he had gotten because they looked good on him.


    "Thank you for everything, Mom and Dad. I will make sure to contact you both regularly to tell you about everything exciting! Please take care of yourselves, and do not worry about me, I will take care of myself."


    Riya chuckled at his words and ruffled his hair, sending the ash-brown locks he had so carefully styled into disarray.


    "What a smooth talker you are. My son, even if you didn¡¯t contact us, we would."


    Skyler nodded and let his mom mess his hair as she pleased. Hidden from everyone, his blue eyes turned extremely serious.


    He needed to become stronger quickly, so that two years from now, when the Epic-tier crystal would manifest near his house and shatter, releasing a horde of monsters, he would be able to help his parents.


    He didn¡¯t know what had happened to his parents in the future where he had become the King of Spirits, but this time he would ensure they would stay safe and sound.


    Johnson gave him a pat on the shoulder.


    "Do your best. We will come at the end of this year to check your performance."


    He then glanced at Charles.


    "Your performance too. I heard about your parents and they are really irresponsible. So, even though it¡¯s not official, we¡¯ll act as your guardians for as long as you need it."


    Charles bowed in gratitude.


    "Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for me, Uncle and Aunty. I¡¯m truly grateful and will never forget this."


    Riya smiled and ruffled his hair as well.


    "What are you saying? You¡¯re a good kid, and we didn¡¯t do much. You deserve this."


    Unlike Charles, Skyler¡¯s eyes widened. He hadn¡¯t even reached the academy yet, and his Mom and Dad were already thinking about checking his results so soon?!


    Damn, it seemed he had to work even harder. After all, he can¡¯t let them down.


    The moment Charles and Skyler vowed to be the best of their class in the academy, just as they had been all this time, multiple top students at Starlight Academy with keen intuition felt a sudden sense of crisis.


    They didn¡¯t know why, but it felt as if their top spots were about to be usurped, and their fear was definitely not unfounded.


    Jenny nodded at her father, who nodded back, and hugged her mother with a smile.


    "Don¡¯t worry, Mom. I will take care of the young ones. Stay healthy."


    With their goodbyes exchanged, the trio turned and left the apartment.

 Chapter 74: You know how to drive, right?

    Riya watched the kids leave and leaned against her husband with a sigh.


    "We should have gone with them."


    Johnson patted her back reassuringly.


    "We can¡¯t, dear. The Queen has recently issued an order to find all her descendants, as well as those born to them. We can¡¯t risk entering any major cities for a while, where you might be recognized. Besides, Jenny is with the kids, and I¡¯ve sent Lights to follow them. They will reach the academy safely."


    Riya rubbed her temples.


    "Just what is mother up to now?"


    Johnson hummed, thinking.


    "I got some insider information from Loyd. Word has it that an ancient tomb belonging to a king from a bygone era has been found within the royal castle and only those with royal blood are able to enter. They are surely seeking suitable candidates."


    Riya blinked. Ancient tomb? It was quite rare to hear about something like this.


    An ancient tomb served as a burial place for those who lived long ago, or it could be a place where older generations hid their inheritances for future generations.


    They often had complex structures and were usually filled with opportunities. But they also had dangerous traps and were guarded by many powerful creatures.


    "It¡¯s an opportunity for many, but also dangerous. It¡¯s best we stay out of it."


    Unfortunately, the couple didn¡¯t realize the tomb also had age restrictions. Only those who met all the requirements were dragged to the royal castle by the guards, regardless of whether they were distant relatives of the Queen or if they wanted to enter the tomb.


    ***


    At the same moment, Skyler, oblivious to the impending future, stood in the parking area outside the building with Charles. The duo watched Jenny as she fiddled with her storage ring, her expression calm.


    They had expected her to call a ride that would take them to their next destination, so they were confused as to what she was doing. But no one could have prepared them for what happened next.


    Jenny suddenly pulled out a stylish black car with wide wings from her storage ring! The car didn¡¯t even touch the ground under it, instead it hovered effortlessly in the air!


    They were too stunned to react and just watched as she entered her personal car.


    Riruru, concealed within Skyler¡¯s jacket, peeked out to see what was happening when she sensed his heart rate spiking.


    She was startled when he gasped.


    Skyler¡¯s eyes gleamed as he inspected the sleek black car from every angle. He had a motorcycle, but it paled in comparison to this masterpiece! A flying car! One he had only seen soaring through the sky!


    "Damn..."


    He couldn¡¯t believe his sister had become wealthy enough to buy her own car!


    Did the students at the academy all have this much money? But how?


    Even their parents didn¡¯t own a flying car!


    Now, his determination to become the best at the academy rose even higher!


    He was going to be the best there! So, he would get even more wealthy than Jenny!


    Compared to him, Charles was more composed. He recovered rather quickly from his shock, even though his dark eyes were gleaming just like Skyler¡¯s. After all, who wouldn¡¯t want a personal flying car?


    Jenny fastened her seatbelt and glanced out of the driver¡¯s seat towards them.


    "Get in. We¡¯ll go to the nearest teleportation device first. It will take us near Malor City, one of the largest cities on the continent, where the Starlight Academy is located."


    Skyler didn¡¯t hesitate, sliding into the backseat as the door clicked open when Jenny pressed a button on the hovering screen that appeared before her. Charles, however, looked a bit concerned.


    "You know how to drive, right?"


    Jenny raised an eyebrow, amused by the question. Was he scared of heights?


    "Of course I do. Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve been driving this for two years now."


    With a nod, Charles entered the backseat. He fastened his seatbelt, but held it tightly, not quite ready for his first flight.


    Beside him, Skyler opened the window so he and Riruru could watch everything. He was glued to it, unlike Riruru, who was not really bothered after the initial surprise.


    She was more concerned about how she could change her form again, like how she had done once before in Skyler¡¯s room. She had yet to grasp the link, but one thing was sure: even if she changed form, it would be only for a very short time. That¡¯s why she was trying to understand the process.


    Jenny gripped the steering wheel, and the car began to fly higher without making any sound. Her sharp eyes traveled toward the two individuals that had started to follow them the moment they left the house, and she spoke directly into their heads.


    ¡¯You won¡¯t be able to follow us as we¡¯ll be traveling through the air. Just tell Dad, Sky and Charles will be fine with me.¡¯


    The adept-tier old man and the young woman were shocked to hear her voice. That was telepathy! They watched as the car floated high above and left the scene.


    The old man smiled wryly.


    "The guild leader¡¯s daughter... just how strong has she become? A true genius. It¡¯s only been four years since she joined the academy, and she¡¯s already achieved such incredible progress. To think she talked to us through telepathy, a power only those at the Epic tier are able to wield."


    Next to him, the young light nodded, her eyes still wide with disbelief.


    "A twenty-year-old Epic-tier? That¡¯s really unheard of! Just what in the world is the Starlight Academy feeding their students? I hope little Sky can handle the pressure of being around someone like her."


    They were stunned by Jenny¡¯s progress.


    If the duo knew that many students even stronger than Jenny Ironhart were present in the Starlight Academy, students who had the current heads of government and even the royalty watching their every move, they would have been utterly bewildered. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They would have thought this generation was truly monstrous if Jenny Ironhart¡¯s strength wasn¡¯t the best among them.


    It seemed Skyler and Charles had a long way to catch up. They had fallen behind, unlike the students of the academies who had been receiving instruction from the best professors and teachers available from the moment they awakened.


    ***


    A few hours later, atop one of the massive platforms that stood outside the boundary of Malor City, multiple people materialized as a blinding light flashed on the platform.


    Charles¡¯s face contorted in discomfort. He wanted to throw up and empty his stomach like a few others around him, but held back when he saw them being charged a fine.


    Although he had experienced the process of teleportation during the preliminary test, the sensation still felt jarring. Almost as if his whole body shattered into light before being rearranged in no time.


    Next to him, Jenny wore a frown as she rubbed her temples. Unlike Charles, she had used teleportation devices before, but they still left her with an uncomfortable feeling.


    Only two people remained unfazed.


    Riruru and Skyler.


    It was as if they weren¡¯t affected by the space distortion that teleported them.


    With a beaming expression on his face, Skyler surveyed the scene. All around him, the space was filled with people, nearly all of whom looked wealthy. Many of them were arriving through the teleportation platforms, while others were leaving.


    There were no land cars or bikes around. Instead, the clear sky, where many crystals floated, was filled with flying individuals and vehicles traveling at high speeds.


    "This is completely different from Nowan City. Almost as if we¡¯ve just entered a more advanced place from a village!"


    Skyler murmured and watched as Jenny, who had paid countless start coins for the teleportation portal from her own pocket without even flinching, turned to him.


    "Do you two want to rest in a restaurant or caf¨¦ for a while? Experiencing teleportation isn¡¯t that easy for those new to it."


    Charles wanted to exclaim, ¡¯Yes, why not!¡¯ But he was a tad bit late because his dear friend Skyler waved his hand dismissively.


    "No, we are fine. Let¡¯s enter the city and reach the academy as soon as possible! After all, it¡¯s not safe for Riruru out here."


    Jenny was surprised to know he was fine when even she had been impacted. Was her little brother pretending to be okay, or was he truly unaffected by the teleportation?


    Charles, who was about to smack Skyler¡¯s head for running his mouth, stopped when he heard his last words. Right, they nearly forgot about Riruru. They needed to make sure the snake wouldn¡¯t be abducted. But to their surprise, Jenny let out a smile.


    She gestured for them to first leave the platform when she noticed the impatient middle-aged man who operated it.


    Skyler and Charles followed behind her as she pointed toward a human in the distance who appeared to be a beast tamer because a huge bird was sitting on his shoulder.


    "Don¡¯t worry about Riruru being kidnapped here. The academy¡¯s presence makes this city incredibly secure. Plus, there are plenty of beast tamers around. As long as Riruru stays quiet, no one will bother us. She is not exactly very powerful, anyway."

 Chapter 75: You are famous, sister

    Riruru flinched at Jenny¡¯s words. She didn¡¯t fully understand what Jenny meant, but her last words stung a little for some reason.


    She hid back inside Skyler¡¯s jacket, finding the new place too noisy. She preferred quiet places where she could stay with the warm creature she had been following. But she blinked when she heard Skyler speak.


    "Riruru isn¡¯t weak. She is already so strong. Who knows, with time, she could very well become the strongest beast in Eldoria?"


    Jenny¡¯s footsteps halted for a second, a flicker of disbelief crossing her face. Was her brother taking the side of a beast?


    But when she looked back at him, she saw only distraction in his eyes as he scanned the surroundings. It was almost as if what he just said was an automatic response, a reflex to defend someone he held dear.


    ¡¯Did I make a mistake?¡¯


    She was confused, but then chuckled.


    "Strongest in Eldoria? That¡¯s quite a big goal, brother. How about you focus on the Human Continent first? Regardless, Riruru needs an official ¡¯Beast ID¡¯ to register her as a tamed beast in the government database. That way, you can show the ID to protect her if anyone mistakes her for a threat."


    Skyler, who was about to declare he never set small goals, caught the words ¡¯Beast ID¡¯ she mentioned and his interest piqued.


    "Oh, I haven¡¯t heard about this. Where can I get one? From the ID registration centers?"


    "The beast tamer department at the academy has those, get one from there."


    He nodded, adding this matter to the top of his list of important things he needed to do at the Starlight Academy. Well, it wasn¡¯t like he had anything planned for the academy yet, except that he would work hard.


    Charles watched them talk. He felt like they were arguing, even though they didn¡¯t seem angry. But he just ignored it, thinking maybe that¡¯s how all siblings talked to each other.


    As the trio reached Malor City and entered the outskirts, marked by a digital billboard flashing advertisements, Skyler suddenly scooted closer to his dear sister, his blue eyes gleaming with a very familiar glint.


    Charles, sensing a shift in Skyler¡¯s demeanor, instinctively took a step back. He was wary of being drawn into whatever scheme his shameless friend was plotting. Skyler¡¯s next words proved him right, and he was the one who felt mortified for him.


    "Sis, can I borrow some of your star coins? Now that we¡¯re in a big city, I¡¯m likely to find things that would help my growth, like skills and spells... It¡¯s better if I buy them myself instead of always disturbing you."


    Jenny nodded. She didn¡¯t think much of it and transferred about fifty thousand star coins to him through her phone.


    Charles, watching this unfold, was bewildered. He could only stare at Skyler, who lowered his head and flashed an evil smirk, hidden from his sister¡¯s view.


    Jenny was oblivious, but Charles knew.


    Both he and Skyler had received a hefty sum of star coins from Johnson, who had sold all the herbs they had discovered in the crystal thanks to Riruru. Yet, this jerk was extorting more money from his own sister!


    Before he could warn the unsuspecting lady who had just lost so many star coins to his cunning brother, Skyler wrapped his arm around him, a smile plastered on his face.


    "Come on, my dear friend. What are you waiting for? My kind older sister even gave us a generous sum..."


    He lowered his voice.


    "Remember, if I suffer, you suffer too. So, silence is the best policy."


    Charles clamped his lips shut at the last words. Right, how did he forget that if Skyler suffered, he would have to suffer alongside him due to the weird logic this bastard had created that friends suffer together.


    He could only wish Jenny wouldn¡¯t find out about this. They moved through Malor City looking for an empty parking space where Jenny could take out her flying car.


    Even in the bustling place, Skyler was checking every good shop he saw. He even dragged Charles with him to make sure he became an accomplice completely. Yet, his face fell after visiting a few shops. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jenny, who had deliberately lowered her pace so the two young men with her could enjoy as much as possible since once they entered the academy they would not be able to, noticed her brother¡¯s disheartened face.


    "What happened?"


    Skyler let out a huff as he looked at the crowd of humans walking on the street around them, his frustration palpable.


    "There are so many shops here, and I thought at least one of them would have something good. But all I found were beast parts, devices, and tech components. Not a single skill or spell displayed for sale. Is it really true that only the academies and the government have access to those?"


    Jenny hummed at his words, an amused glint in her eyes. She knew he was hoping to buy spells and skills with the star coins he borrowed from her, and she was aware they weren¡¯t available in the city. She could have stopped him from looking around, but she wanted him to discover it himself.


    "You already know the answer, so why are you asking? Those resources are precious, and it¡¯s dangerous to let just anyone have them. It¡¯s for public safety, and besides, the Dark Lights always steal them for evil. That¡¯s why they are only available to capable Lights who protect people. Don¡¯t worry, you will learn skills and spells at the academy."


    Skyler let out an ¡¯oh¡¯ and nodded, still a bit aggrieved. He had even extorted star coins from his sister, yet it was no use, it seems.


    "Then let¡¯s continue. There¡¯s no need to check the stores anymore."


    He started walking forward, which is why he failed to hear Jenny¡¯s next words.


    "Well, even if you bought a spell, you wouldn¡¯t be able to learn how to use it, because their language is very difficult."


    She muttered under her breath and shook her head. With no prior knowledge, it would take Skyler at least a year to learn even the basics of spells available. Her brother had missed a lot, unlike all those people who joined the academies at the age of 16.


    Now that Skyler was done checking the stores in the surrounding buildings, they easily found an empty parking area, and Jenny pulled out her car.


    Skyler noticed that the clear sky above Malor City had more crystals than Nowan City. He hummed as the flying car he sat in with the others raced above the city toward a majestic structure at the other end.


    His fingers twitched to touch the crystals, and it took all his power to restrain himself from reaching out from the car window to touch them. Fortunately, Riruru distracted him enough for him to ignore the crystals.


    Half an hour later, they could finally see the famous Starlight Academy. Riruru would have too, but she had fallen asleep.


    Skyler marveled at the majestic pillars and buildings he could see inside the academy. From this height, it seemed to stretch out endlessly, rivaling a small city in its size.


    The academy was a marvel of modern architecture, sleek and gleaming with glass and steel. Unlike the city, where there were no signs of trees, half of the academy was actually filled by them, creating a striking contrast of nature and technology.


    "It¡¯s Huge...!"


    Skyler exclaimed faintly, noticing how no flying vehicles or people were able to enter the academy by flying over the walls. Or maybe they just didn¡¯t dare to?


    The Academy before him was like a big fortress, a small, modern city unto itself.


    Three grand Gates, each wide enough for countless people to pass, stood open on different sides of the academy, guarded by vigilant guards in crisp, formal uniforms. A constant stream of students, clad in their distinctive purple uniforms, flowed in and out, interspersed with a scattering of individuals in casual clothes.


    Jenny¡¯s car came to a halt in front of one of the academy gates, which faced Malor City directly, before she lowered her car toward the parking area on one side of the gate.


    At first, no one even glanced at the car. However, when she stepped out, a wave of murmurs erupted in the air as the students in the surroundings began to point at her.


    Skyler and Charles came out of the car behind her, startled at the number of people that had started gathering around them.


    Jenny frowned and raised her voice.


    "Please let us pass."


    Her voice was enough to make the students part for her and the people behind her. They could only watch and murmur about who the two young men were with one of the most famous beauties of their academy.


    Skyler groaned under his breath.


    "You are famous, sister."


    "I know."


    He clicked his tongue at her response and could only follow as she led him and Charles inside the Academy through the gate. Even the guards recognized her and smiled at her.

 Chapter 76: Starlight Academy I

    Stepping onto the campus of Starlight Academy, Skyler couldn¡¯t help but scan his surroundings. The trio strolled along the straight road, surrounded by trees.


    He did his best to ignore the students around them who stopped to greet Jenny, but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that many of the young male students were looking at him and Charles with hostile eyes, as if the duo had stolen their wives or something.


    ¡¯Why are they treating Jenny like she¡¯s a celebrity or something?¡¯


    Skyler let out a quiet breath of frustration.


    He knew his sister was a genius when she was invited to join the Starlight Academy, but who would have thought she would be so famous? Just what had she done in the past four years to garner such attention?


    Maybe his life at the academy would be easier because of his sister¡¯s popularity?


    Thinking this, his mood improved.


    Amidst the faint chatter of students and their hurried footsteps, Charles broke the silence since Skyler was busy looking around.


    "Are all academies this huge?"


    His question was right. They had entered the academy premises, but the closest building he could spot was quite a distance away.


    At this rate, he was certain it would take them a long time to reach it on foot.


    If all academies on the continent occupy such a vast space, wouldn¡¯t that mean half the continent is occupied by them? Surely not, or else he would have known.


    Jenny kept walking forward, not even glancing back as she answered.


    "Not really. Only the top three academies on the continent possess this much land. They earned the privilege due to their rich history and because they cultivate the most Lights who later work for the government."


    Skyler hurried his pace to meet hers as he noticed the large water fountain standing a short distance from them. Riruru stirred in his jacket but stayed asleep.


    "You didn¡¯t bring your car inside because you said it¡¯s not allowed. But is there really no transportation in this vast and ¡¯famous¡¯ academy? How do students even manage? I am sure they have to sprint to class every morning just to reach the building on time."


    There was a hint of bitterness in his voice as he contemplated his grim future of running around every morning just to reach class.


    The only silver lining was that he wouldn¡¯t be the only one suffering in that future. Charles, his friend, would also suffer alongside him.


    Jenny chuckled at his words. As the trio reached the water fountain, she suddenly turned left and pointed ahead.


    "Those are the only vehicles students are allowed to ride inside the academy."


    Skyler and Charles followed her gaze. Their eyes widened when they saw rows of brown, four-wheeled, floating vehicles neatly lined up by the side, under the shade of the trees.


    However, let alone use them, no students seemed to acknowledge those vehicles!


    Skyler¡¯s expression turned somber.


    "What a waste! Why is everyone walking when they can use those four-wheelers? Let¡¯s use one of those!"


    Unlike him, Charles had an idea as to why the students were not using the vehicles.


    "I think they have to pay a usage fee. At Starlight Academy, students have to earn their own yearly fees through the academy. They probably don¡¯t want to waste their hard-earned money on transportation."


    Jenny was surprised by his deduction. She nodded in agreement and moved forward. A few students nearby noticed them, but after greeting Jenny from afar, they quickly left.


    Skyler slid into the back of the windowless vehicle. It could hold four students and had no driver¡¯s seat because it was automatic.


    Jenny simply voiced their destination loudly, and the four-wheeler, hovering a few inches above the ground, smoothly began moving towards the nearest building.


    A while later, they stood before the building Jenny introduced as one of the registration venues near the academy¡¯s entrance gates for new students. The building was mostly empty, as registration for newcomers had already concluded for the year.


    They were about to make their way toward the counter at the end of the hall they had just entered, but two middle-aged men, one in a luxurious suit and another who looked like his subordinate, blocked their path.


    Professor Hawthorne was delighted to notice Jenny, one of the best students, while he was supervising some first-year idiots he had punished for breaking his favorite vase. They were supposed to run a circle around this area of the academy and return. But those morons were still not back.


    "Student Jenny, why are you here? You should be attending the morning classes. It¡¯s not good for you to skip them. Now, you are not just a normal student; you are one of those who passed the preliminary test."


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    Beside him, Professor Noire looked at the two unfamiliar young faces behind Jenny. His eyes narrowed at Skyler as he tried to remember where he had seen him before.


    Jenny greeted the professors. She didn¡¯t particularly like these two older men, as they were the ones who had made things difficult for Max and her friends in the past. Yet, now that they had gotten stronger, these two men were always trying to get on their good side.


    "Sir, I got a one-week vacation from the student department to go home for a while. I have just returned to the academy and will join the classes as soon as possible."


    Before Professor Hawthorne could reprimand her for taking a vacation when she should have been training, since the time after the preliminary test was crucial for every student, Professor Noire suddenly pointed at Skyler in surprise.


    "It¡¯s you! The lucky youngster who was given a special pass to enter the academy by VP Doris a while back. I was wondering where I saw you before. Now I remember!"


    Skyler¡¯s brows furrowed. He didn¡¯t like these two professors, not one bit. It was because he could sense visible disdain in their eyes the moment they realized who he was.


    Suddenly, he grabbed Charles, the innocent bystander who was enjoying the show from the sidelines, and greeted them properly.


    "Hello, sir. I am Skyler Ironhart, and this is Charles Mahson. You are correct. We are here to join the academy, as we were both given a special pass."


    Charles cursed under his breath. This jerk! Why the hell did he have to involve him?! He was fine watching, but he didn¡¯t want to be a part of whatever was happening! After all, he just needed to wait for the professors to drag Skyler away and then find a kind professor who would help him enter the academy!


    Professor Hawthorne glanced at the other young man with Skyler and snickered.


    "Both? Last I heard, only one person was given the special pass, and that was you."


    Skyler glanced at his sister, hoping she would step in, but she didn¡¯t. Frustration simmered within him, but then, with a sigh, he pushed Charles towards the professors. It seemed he had to sacrifice his friend to escape these evil figures.


    "Esteemed Sirs."


    He began, his voice a bit too loud.


    "This young man, Charles, was granted a special pass to enter the Academy several years ago without any tests. However, due to some unforeseen circumstances, he was unable to join, causing the academy to lose a talented student. But I have had a long talk with him, and he has realized the folly of his past decision. Now he is eager to rectify his mistake and join the academy."


    Charles stared at Skyler¡¯s face, his mind processing the words that had just escaped Skyler¡¯s lips. Wow. He wanted to clap.


    His dear friend was really very good at talking his way out of any situation!


    ¡¯I need to learn from him!¡¯


    Even Jenny was surprised at her brother, who so easily stunned the two professors.


    Professor Noire was the first to recover from his surprise and checked Charles from head to toe with a hint of annoyance.


    "A 5-star? When did you get a special pass from the academy? Remember, if you lie, the consequences wouldn¡¯t be good." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Professor Hawthorne agreed with him. He was quite displeased when he sensed that Charles was only a 5-star. Still, at least this kid was better than Skyler, who only had 1-star potential but had increased it after he accidentally entered the preliminary test.


    Charles knew it was his turn to speak. He nodded at Professor Noire.


    "Sir, Skyler is right. Four years ago, I was given a special pass to enter the academy. But I wasn¡¯t able to. I believe if you check with the academy, you will get the proof."


    Both professors fell silent, pondering whether to report this matter or simply kick these kids out of the academy. They knew Skyler had gotten lucky due to VP Doris, but to think he would bring another problem with him... this kid was truly something else.


    At this moment, Jenny, who had been observing everything, finally intervened.


    "Sir, Skyler is my brother. How about you check his words with the VP?"


    Professor Hawthorne¡¯s attitude changed when she spoke. He already knew Skyler was Jenny¡¯s brother. But he just wanted to check him out to see what Doris saw in him to give this weakling a special pass.


    "I believe if our model student says so. Jenny, you should go to your class. Leave Skyler and Charles with us. We will handle this matter and inform you afterwards."


    Skyler gave his sister a deadpanned look. She could have spoken earlier. It was clear the professors valued her. But no, she just had to stay quiet when needed.

 Chapter 77: Hidden Character I

    Jenny pursed her lips.


    Unsure if she should leave Skyler and Charles with these two-faced professors.


    However, wasn¡¯t it a good thing that the professors had decided to help them?


    If Skyler and Charles went through the entire process of finding and meeting with VP Doris themselves in this vast academy, only to discover that she is not present, it would take them much longer.


    On the other hand, if Professors Noire and Hawthorne took charge of this matter, they could easily take Skyler and Charles to VP Doris. If the VP wasn¡¯t present, they could inform Skyler and Charles to return later.


    Honestly, Jenny wasn¡¯t exactly onboard with the idea of Skyler joining Starlight Academy, unlike her parents. She had spent four years here and knew just how dangerous it was. With Skyler¡¯s potential, she worried he would only be putting himself in danger.


    Therefore, it was best for her to do what Professors Noire and Hawthorne said. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As much as she disliked them, she knew they were the only ones who could bluntly tell Skyler and Charles that the two weren¡¯t talented enough to join the academy if they didn¡¯t find VP Doris and ended up being the ones to oversee this whole matter.


    Jenny glanced at Skyler. He was clearly waiting for her to decline the professors and stay with him. After all, she was the one who had assured their parents she would help them settle in the academy.


    But she thought that if she stayed with him and the professors refused to let them join the academy, her brother might turn to her for help. So Jenny decided it was best for her to stay behind and not go with them.


    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to tell Skyler directly that he shouldn¡¯t join the academy. He would undoubtedly misunderstand her, taking it personally. However, if someone else told him he wasn¡¯t good enough, she wouldn¡¯t be involved in anything.


    Thinking this was for the best, for Sky¡¯s safety, she turned to the professors.


    "Okay, sir. I will return to take the classes. Please inform me about my brother later."


    Her gaze traveled toward her brother, a quiet intensity in her eyes. He stood there, stunned, caught off guard by her words.


    "Do your best."


    She said, her voice firm. Even though she knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything, let alone his best in this matter, and he could only watch as she turned away to leave.


    Charles¡¯ eyes widened. Even he could tell these professors were no good, but Jenny was leaving them to fend for themselves?


    Instantly, he reached out to stop her, but a hand clamped down on his arm.


    Charles looked down at the hand, then met the familiar crystal-like blue eyes that were now filled with disappointment.


    Skyler shook his head at him.


    "Let her go. We can¡¯t rely on her. It¡¯s good she revealed this now. It would have been disastrous if we had discovered it later."


    Jenny¡¯s footsteps came to a halt. She wasn¡¯t an Epic tier¡ªa 12-star fighter class Light who wields a water whip infused with elemental power¡ªjust in name.


    She heard what he said.


    However, when she looked back, he had already addressed the professors.


    His voice was calm and collected.


    "Sir, I believe we should first meet with the Vice Principal to clarify some things."


    Professor Hawthorne snickered at Skyler¡¯s attitude. He rolled the papers in his hand and started hitting his head with them.


    "Brat, you don¡¯t get to tell me what to do. Let¡¯s be clear, someone like you shouldn¡¯t even be here. You¡¯re here due to VP Doris¡¯s generosity. Be grateful and don¡¯t get ahead of yourself. After all, it doesn¡¯t matter if you are Jenny¡¯s brother. I can always revoke the special pass if you keep pushing your luck."


    Hawthorne smirked when he saw how Jenny didn¡¯t step forward to argue or help Skyler. It seemed she wasn¡¯t idiotic enough to side with her brother when she knew he wasn¡¯t good enough for this academy.


    ¡¯Good. Now we don¡¯t have to worry about her interfering or complaining to Doris like she did in the past and got us punished.¡¯


    He and Noire were still angry about the past, particularly the humiliation they had endured from Doris for trying to put Jenny, Max, and their group in their place. But they could no longer vent their frustration on them, as they were too powerful now.


    However, they could easily take it out on someone else connected to Max¡¯s team.


    Skyler was the perfect target.


    Jenny clenched her fists as she witnessed what happened. This was why she disliked these two professors above all others; their brusque behavior was nothing new to her.


    She exhaled, thinking this was for the best. Unable to see Skyler¡¯s face, she cast a final glance at Charles before leaving the hall.


    Unlike her, Charles watched Skyler silently. His friend¡¯s eyes were fixed on the ground, and his face remained eerily calm.


    This told him that Skyler was pissed. A shiver ran down Charles¡¯ spine at his calm face, although he was stronger than him.


    ¡¯Something is wrong. Why do I feel like these professors aren¡¯t going to end well? And what was wrong with Jenny? Why did she leave us even after hearing that?¡¯


    He muttered inwardly with a frown.


    Skyler nodded at the two professors, though he had put them on his blacklist.


    "I understand. I know my place. Now, can we go and meet the Vice Principal? As one of the overseers of this famous academy, I believe she won¡¯t go back on her word. Or should I assume that this institution only houses people who break their promises?"


    Hawthorne was stunned. It was Professor Noire whose eyes widened at his words.


    "You! How dare you disrespect..."


    His words were interrupted by a laugh from behind, causing everyone to turn toward the source. Their eyes fell upon the man seated behind the counter at the end of the hall, his feet propped nonchalantly on the surface.


    The man appeared to be in his forties, dressed in worn-out gray clothes.


    He was the one who laughed, his eyes closed, but as if sensing their gaze, he opened them and glanced at them.


    His brown eyes lingered on Skyler.


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    "You are one funny kid."


    He said, a smirk playing on his lips.


    "It¡¯s been a while since I have witnessed something so amusing in this place."


    Professor Noire and Hawthorne¡¯s faces blanched when they saw the man.


    Before they could even speak, he was already standing before them.


    Even Charles and Skyler were shocked.


    They just blinked, and he was there!

 Chapter 78: Hidden Character II

    Professor Noire¡¯s knees weakened as he mustered his courage and stammered. His eyes fixed on the brown-eyed man. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "You... you are back, Sir. Moore...?"


    Moore stared at him, making him sweat.


    "It¡¯s Professor for you. Of course, I will be back once I have cleared the 40th level of Battle Royal. It was incredibly difficult. So I am curious how those who are currently at level 51 managed to clear it. If only I could enter the highest level available directly..."


    He clicked his tongue in distaste.


    "But those damn rules! You can only move up to the next level in Battle Royal if you¡¯ve beaten the one before it yourself."


    Hawthorne and Noire were sweating profusely, unlike Skyler and Charles, who watched Moore with eyes full of intrigue.


    The duo¡¯s eyes lit up when they heard his words, and they exchanged glances, their eyes conveying the same thought.


    They seemed to have stumbled upon a hidden character¡ªthe kind that appears in fictional novels, often overlooked because they don¡¯t look special. However, in reality, this character is a powerful, hidden master who helps the protagonist get stronger and wants them to become their disciple when their uniqueness catches their eye!


    Charles and Skyler¡¯s eyes were filled with glee as they excitedly waited for Moore to beat these two professors and take them as his students, while saying that he could see their potential and knew they would achieve greatness under his guidance.


    Of course, reality was far from Skyler and Charles¡¯ wild imagination. Their excitement was extinguished like a candle when Moore simply shook Noire¡¯s shoulder and nodded at Hawthorne before waving goodbye.


    "I shall take my leave. I was just resting in this place because I forgot where my living quarters were. Take these kids to VP Doris before she finds out that you two acted on your own and punishes you, bye bye."


    Noire and Hawthorne nodded their heads like headless chickens. Meanwhile, Skyler and Charles were dumbfounded. Were their calculations wrong? How could that be?


    Moore turned with a yawn. He liked Skyler and Charles, but it was unfortunate that he already had a few personal students. Any more, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it.


    He muttered absentmindedly.


    "I wonder how my students are doing? I have been away for a long while. Hopefully, they have gotten stronger in my absence."


    Skyler and Charles¡¯ eyes widened at his faint murmur. It seemed that some other scumbags had already secured the hidden, powerful character in this academy! They were the ones who were too late!


    Simultaneously, far away in a classroom, Max and Austin both let out a sneeze. They looked at each other, wondering who was speaking ill of them behind their backs.


    Once Moore left, Hawthorne and Noire finally regained some of their composure. Noire clicked his tongue, wiping his sweat.


    "That uncouth man! Just why the hell did Doris let him become a professor here!"


    Hawthorne glared at him.


    "Speak quietly, idiot. Who knows if he is listening? You know his temper. He won¡¯t hesitate to challenge us to a duel."


    They both turned to the two kids, who were still grappling with the truth that the hidden master who was supposed to take them as his disciples had been stolen.


    Professor Hawthorne clicked his tongue. Now that Moore knew he could not simply kick Skyler and Charles out of the academy without informing Doris. That bastard had a loose mouth and would tell Doris about this, which would get him in trouble.


    His gruff voice was enough to get the attention of the youngsters.


    "Follow me. I will take you to the VP."


    He turned to Mr. Noire.


    "You, stay in the hall. The first-year idiots I punished will be back soon after they have run a circle around this area. Handle them."


    Noire nodded and Hawthorne started walking toward the hall exit with a huff. Skyler and Charles hurried after the man, unsure of what would happen next. It¡¯s only been a short time since they arrived here, and they had already faced so much.


    Skyler gently caressed Riruru, who was sleeping in his jacket. It was fortunate that no one was questioning her presence, even though he knew many could sense her.


    He wanted to tell her that he was once again disappointed in Jenny. One thing he had seen in his sister¡¯s eyes, and had now finally come to expect, was that she looked down on him. She had already assumed he was worthless and would never be able to achieve anything in this life.


    ¡¯Was she always like this? I wonder what changed her. Is it the recognition of being the best in this academy? The acclaim of being the strongest among her peers?¡¯


    He was a bit haughty, he knew. However, what Jenny showed him wasn¡¯t arrogance. She simply believed he was useless.


    She didn¡¯t even consider that he could get stronger just like her. Let alone putting her trust in him. For her, he was just a weak brother who was getting into trouble.


    Well, he would just ignore her. That¡¯s best for both of them. Now, he didn¡¯t even need an apology. A clear line had been drawn.


    "I guess once a crack is formed in a relationship, no matter how small, things can never go back to how they were."


    He muttered with a quiet sigh.


    The late afternoon sun blazed above the academy as Skyler and Charles walked quietly behind the middle-aged man.


    Many students noticed them due to their handsome features, but seeing Hawthorne with them, no one dared to approach them.


    By the time they reached VP Doris¡¯s office, the afternoon sun had already begun to dip below the horizon, and the clear sky was filled with orange and golden clouds. Discover more stories at NovelFire.C?m


    Skyler and Charles were both panting and sweating, their feet aching. Skyler glared at Hawthorne¡¯s back, cursing the man for the hundredth time in his head. Unlike them, he seemed completely unaffected.


    It was clear he had deliberately walked so much to torture them before they reached the VP. With a silent groan, Skyler glanced at the rows of small buildings before them. These buildings were smaller but grander than the student registration building.


    Hawthorne was greeted by a few other professors on the way as they entered the building in the center of all. Passing the first floor, they came to a halt in front of a room at the end of the second floor.


    Skyler and Charles glanced around. The entire second floor was quiet. They were hoping to find the VP and be done with it.


    Hawthorne knocked on the door and waited. When no answer came, even after a few long minutes, he turned to the youngsters with an evil smirk, prepared to shoo them away from the Starlight Academy, thinking the VP was really not present. Before he could, an old voice echoed from behind.


    "You may enter."

 Chapter 79: One Last Hurdle I

    Professor Hawthorne¡¯s smile contorted as he straightened his suit and turned back. He opened the door with a polite smile.


    "Good evening, VP Doris."


    Skyler and Charles peeked from either side of him, taking in the room. Numerous thick books were stacked everywhere, and many papers were scattered across the floor.


    The room was a complete mess, and amidst it, an old woman dressed in robes, sat on a chair behind the only table in the room. All around her, transparent screens filled with symbols were floating in the air.


    Doris lowered the writing brush in her hand, and Skyler wondered why the VP was using a brush when she could use a pen.


    A frown creased her aged face as she stared directly at Professor Hawthorne.


    "Stand in a corner with your face turned to the wall for an hour. It¡¯s your punishment for disturbing me out of nowhere."


    Hawthorne wanted to argue, but her sharp gaze was enough to shut him up. Without further questions, he did what she asked.


    Doris glanced at Skyler and Charles.


    "So, Miss Riya had sent her son. I thought she wouldn¡¯t, considering how she said the education here isn¡¯t up to standard."


    She was a bit sarcastic at the end. After all, even though Doris didn¡¯t say anything when Riya Ironhart said her older daughter, who is studying in their academy, had developed some undesirable habits, she didn¡¯t like it.


    Doris¡¯s eyes paused on Charles.


    "You even brought another person with you? Who is he? Care to explain?"


    Skyler stepped forward, avoiding stepping on any scattered papers as he entered the room and greeted the Vice Principal, along with Charles, before explaining everything. Charles joined him and introduced himself.


    When they were done talking, Doris tapped the table before her with her finger, wearing an unreadable expression. She stared at the two young men who looked nervous.


    "Skylor, or was it Skyler? My decision to let you join was a bit impulsive, but I stand by my word. You will join this academy. As for your friend, if what you said is true, I see no reason why he shouldn¡¯t join with you."


    Hearing her, their faces brightened.


    Finally!


    Doris checked her storage ring and pulled out a flat, square device. Eight ores, each representing a different element, were fixed in pairs at each of its corners. She cleared the table and set the device down.


    "Come here."


    Her voice was authoritative, and the two, despite their hesitation, rushed toward the table. She pointed at the square device.


    "This is for record purposes. I will check your potential and affinities."


    They nodded, and she continued.


    "It doesn¡¯t matter what Skylor¡¯s potential is or how many affinities he has since I gave my word to let him join the academy. But..."


    Skyler¡¯s eyebrow twitched at how she pronounced his name wrong. However, he could only watch as she turned her gaze to Charles and completed her words.


    "Your potential should be above 15-star. That¡¯s the minimum requirement for those who receive a special pass to join us. This will clear any doubts about you."


    Charles wiped his sweaty forehead. He wasn¡¯t worried about his potential, but the VP¡¯s presence was really intimidating.


    Skyler took a step closer to him and whispered with a confident expression.


    "Make sure to shock her. You can do it. Also, remember this: we can always go to another academy. There is no pressure on you. I said we would join the academy together. It doesn¡¯t matter which one."


    He wasn¡¯t worried about Charles. He knew that no matter what Charles¡¯ potential was, the man would keep getting stronger. They had spent enough time together for Skyler to know that. He was just letting him know there was no pressure on him.


    Charles was speechless at his words. Skyler was the one who had dragged him here. After all they had been through, this jerk was saying that they could join any other academy? He wouldn¡¯t consider it!


    His lips curled upward into a smirk. His potential was the only thing his friend had yet to know. His words were faint, barely above a whisper, but Skyler heard them.


    "I can¡¯t let my employer down now, can I?"


    Doris was amused by their interaction.


    However, she could only shake her head when she gazed at the square device which counted everyone¡¯s potential and told them their limits using the 25-stars system. To think this was only the tip of true danger many are facing within the Battle Royal.


    How laughable.


    Charles stepped forward first to check his potential. Doris told him to place his hand on the flat, square device and that was it.


    He complied with a nod.


    Even Professor Hawthorne, who was standing facing the wall in a corner, could not resist a peek to see the two youngsters¡¯ results, so he could mock them later.


    Dense Evol particles emanated from the ores fixed in the device, and Skyler watched, more nervous than the one who had placed his hand on it. The Evol enveloped Charles¡¯s hand, and then a screen flickered to life directly above the glowing device.


    Professor Hawthorne tripped when he saw the screen displaying Charles¡¯s results. His eyes widened in shock as he refused to believe what he was seeing!


    Doris mirrored his shock. However, unlike him, she remained rather composed. She had seen far more shocking results.


    It was Skyler who let out a laugh with a sparkle in his eyes, as if it were his results on display in front of everyone.


    "Damn, Charles, this isn¡¯t just shocking. This is mind-blowing!"


    Charles chuckled as he stared at the screen, which was created with both the power of technology and the Evol of eight main elements recognized in Eldoria.


    _______


    Age: 20


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Wind


    2) Earth S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    3) Fire


    4) Lightning


    Potential: 23-star (Mythic tier)


    _______ Read exclusive content at FreeNovelFire


    He removed his hand, and the screen vanished. His gaze turned to Skyler.


    "Told you, I won¡¯t disappoint my employer."


    Skyler rolled his eyes and stepped forward.


    "Great job. Now my turn. However, don¡¯t expect too much and be disappointed."

 Chapter 80 80: One Last Hurdle II

    Charles raised a brow. He wouldn''t be disappointed, not in the slightest. Skyler''s potential, whatever it was, didn''t matter.


    Moreover, he had witnessed just how talented Skyler was. It was clear from how easily this young man learned a spell just by reading it once. They would both grow stronger and go beyond their limits.


    Professor Hawthorne, who had stood up, scoffed inwardly, very annoyed. So what if Charles'' potential was 23-star? Max had a 25-star potential! Not just Max, many with 25-star potential were in the academy! It was just that the number was low.


    To him, the batch of students who got admitted four years ago were the best.


    Before, barely anyone in Eldoria ever managed to awaken such high potential, but four years ago, many kids awakened with 20-star and above potential. It was as if that year was the year of future pillars of Eldoria, because not just their Academy, all the other academies in Eldoria gained an influx of high-potential students.


    It was so random, and every continent in their planet was in turmoil, thinking the era of peace was soon going to be over.


    Hawthorne wanted to call it bullshit, but it was too shocking. Now he saw that Charles is 20. This kid was from that very year when many awakened a high potential. So, it was no surprise he has such high potential.


    Skyler placed his hand over the device. Doris became interested. She wondered what surprise this one would show her.


    Dense Evol particles emanated from the ores fixed in the device, enveloping Skyler''s hand and, once again, a screen flickered to life directly above the glowing device.


    _______


    Age: 18


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light


    2) Darkness


    Potential: 5-star (Novice tier)


    _______


    Professor Hawthorne, who was watching secretly, broke into a mocking snicker when the screen displayed Skyler''s results.


    Doris blinked and let out an ''oh''. Charles was also surprised, but his smile didn''t fade. He gave Skyler''s shoulder a shake.


    "It seems one of our goals is to look for those treasures that increase potential."


    Skyler smiled. Not sure how to tell him that there was no need. His potential would go up on its own once he found more about his Special Spirit Constitution.


    Doris stared at Hawthorne, who was quietly smirking, and the latter turned away. With a sigh, she faced Charles and Skyler.


    "That''s good enough. Now, let me officially welcome you two to Starlight Academy."


    The two nodded, but the VP''s lips twitched when Skyler gestured to the square device on the table and spoke innocently.


    "Umm... excuse me? I believe you have many more similar devices. So, how about you give the ores embedded on this device to me as a welcome gift?"


    Charles nearly fainted when he saw how Skyler''s fingers were inching closer to the device in an attempt to secretly take out a few ores. He cursed inwardly. This jerk!


    The VP had just welcomed them, and he was already eager to get them expelled!


    He zoomed toward Skyler, seizing his collar before his friend did something irreversible. A dry laugh escaped his lips as he dragged the youth back, glancing at the VP.


    "Miss Vice Principal, believe me, he is joking and didn''t mean what he said!"


    He glanced at Skyler with pointy eyes.


    "Right?"


    Skyler glared back at him, confused.


    He had even asked the VP politely!


    So why was Charles stopping him?


    "I wasn''t joking¡ª"


    Charles cut him off, sweating.


    "Riruru''s awake! Look!"


    Skyler''s focus was successfully diverted, and Charles hurriedly hid the device under some papers before this obsessed person eyed the ores embedded in it again. Only when the device was no longer visible did he sigh in relief. He didn''t care how Skyler was glaring daggers at him to tell him that he was dead meat once they were alone.


    Riruru was still asleep! He lied!


    VP Doris could only watch their antics.


    She was a bit confused by what had just transpired. However, a rare smile spread across her face. Her next words shocked Hawthorne, who tripped again.


    "How about you two join the elite classes directly? Both of you have already cleared the preliminary test and are older than the first and second years, so it doesn''t sound appropriate for you to join them."


    Skyler shoved Charles, this traitor, aside.


    "Elite Classes?"


    VP Doris nodded and leaned back into her chair with a relaxed expression.


    "Hawthorne, do the explaining."


    The two youngsters whipped their heads to the professor, who wore an ugly expression.


    Hawthorne wanted to argue with Doris that the two didn''t qualify for the elite classes.


    Moreover, the students in the elite classes had worked hard to earn their place there.


    There was no way they would accept two weaklings waltzing into their ranks without the struggles they endured! Those students wouldn''t take it lightly, maybe even think the academy had started taking bribes!


    Charles and Skyler could end up getting beaten up or even isolated by them! But Hawthorne''s argument died on the tip of tongue when he saw Doris''s deep eyes.


    He was actually trying to be helpful to the students for once. But it seemed his idea wasn''t appreciated by the one in power.


    Well, it''s not like he cared. Professor Hawthorne just wanted Skyler and Charles to enter the first year, which he could order, so he could torture them himself to get his revenge on Max''s team. Now, it seems he will be reduced to watching from the side.


    With a grim expression, he explained the academy''s student class structure to the two weaklings, who actually surprised him by listening attentively to the boring topic.


    New students, admitted at the age of 16, begin their journey in the first year at the academy, progressing through the second and third. At the end of their fourth year, at age 20, every student with 15-star or higher potential faces the Preliminary test.


    The students who return after passing the Preliminary test and those who failed are separated. Those who passed the test are placed into Elite classes, further divided into three years: first, second, and third.


    In these elite classes, students receive comprehensive information regarding the levels of Battle Royal, ranging from the first level to the ones that are already cleared in Eldoria. They are taught how to efficiently and safely battle and clear these levels.


    In total, these students spend seven years at the academy before being recruited by the government, various guilds, or official groups of Lights in the continent.


    Unlike them, students who fail the preliminary test or students with potential lower than 15-star who aren''t even eligible for that test¡ªprimarily those who entered the academy through the entrance exam¡ªall join the 5th year classes, their final year of graduation before being recruited.


    Skyler absorbed the information rather easily. At least, Professor Hawthorne was good at explaining. He turned to Doris.


    "So we will be joining the first-year Elite classes where all those who passed the preliminary test are studying? However, this is not good for us since we lack basic knowledge unlike the elite students..."


    Charles agreed with Skyler; his point was valid. However, Doris just smiled at them. In the next second, she called her assistant, and they were kicked out of her office.


    Skyler glanced at the female assistant in a suit who was told to help the duo settle in, then at Charles, who stood beside him.


    "Umm... why do I feel like our days here won''t be as easy as we expected?"


    "You just think? I''m sure we''re fucked."


    Skyler blinked as he gazed ahead.


    "Here I was thinking Vice Principal Doris was being kind when she asked us to join the Elite classes. Perhaps she just wants us to leave this academy on our own."


    S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 81 81: Starlight Academy II

    Riruru stirred in Skyler''s jacket. He looked at her and then at the VP''s assistant, who had introduced herself as Lorian.


    "Excuse me? Can we first go to the place where we can get a ''Beast ID''? I want one."


    Lorian was surprised when she saw a beautiful snake slithering out of his jacket. She was a young and pretty-faced woman, a head taller than both Charles and Skyler.


    "Okay, the Beast Tamer division is next to the building that provides student ID cards. We can head there first. That way, you two can get your ID cards as well."


    They left the building, and Lorian used the card around her neck to summon a familiar four-wheeler for a ride. She addressed them as they both climbed in and settled into the seats, relieved they didn''t have to walk.


    "I just used my ID card to call a ride, you guys can do it as well. Your cards will keep track of the star coins you earn here. Food is free. But you can only use your cards to pay your fees or buy anything else here."


    Skyler and Charles nodded. It seems the academy tracks what a student earns, and to make sure they don''t pay their fees using other sources, they made these ID cards.


    As their four-wheeler passed through the bustling academy, Lorian pointed out each building, explaining its name and purpose.


    They passed the buildings assigned to the alchemy division. Every window was lit with the glow of bubbling concoctions under the night sky that was darkening further.


    Next, they passed by the buildings given to the mech and technology divisions, where the space echoed with the clang of metal.


    The talismans, the runes, and even the inscriptions division buildings all followed, each division a testament to the academy''s vast and diverse curriculum. They paused briefly before some square structures.


    Lorain gestured toward the structures, striving to familiarize them with this vast place. This was the task assigned to her.


    "These are the libraries. You two will find many in different areas. But the largest one is in the heart of the academy. It holds the most extensive collection of books."


    Next, they saw the area where the weapon division was located, its forge blazing with intense heat. There were even shops within each division run by senior students to earn star coins. These shops offered a variety of materials, allowing students to purchase everything they needed for their studies.


    Of course, if students can''t find what they need in those shops, they always have the option of going outside the academy.


    Charles raised a brow.


    It was a loophole. He mused, sure that many wealthy students exploited it.


    After all, if they were allowed to buy what they needed from outside, they could just use their families'' wealth to purchase it.


    This allowed them to save the star coins they earned within the academy and use them solely to pay their yearly fees.


    Charles was sure the academy was aware of this. But since they haven''t stopped this practice, it''s clear they don''t care much, as long as the students pay their fees with the money they earned through the academy.


    Skyler suddenly raised his hand.


    "Where are the regular classes held? Do the students have to run to different divisions every time they are done with a class?" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lorian chuckled at him.


    "Don''t worry, joining these divisions is optional for all, and students usually only join one along with their regular classes, which are held near their residences."


    Skyler nodded, mumbling.


    "What a waste. They have such a good place where they can learn so much, but they only join one of these divisions."


    Hearing him, Charles deadpanned.


    "Not everyone can learn anything just by reading it once like you. We are ordinary humans with limited capacity to learn."


    Lorian rolled her eyes with a smile when Skyler told Charles that he would join many divisions and learn everything available for free in this academy like a sponge.


    ''Let''s see if you have any time to handle more than one division in the future when your schedule is packed with classes.''


    By the time they reached the Beast Tamer division, the night was well underway. The area was mostly deserted, except for a few diligent students who were still working.


    Skyler secured a beast ID for Riruru. It was a small, square card with her picture and a government-issued stamp certifying her as harmless. Miss Lorian, meanwhile, went to get student ID cards for him and Charles.


    He stored Riruru''s beast ID in his storage ring, then he and Charles took out snacks from their storage rings to eat with Riruru. After all, they were feeling hungry. While they were waiting for Lorian, a glowing structure far away caught Skyler''s eye.


    "What''s that? We didn''t notice it before."


    Charles followed his gaze.


    "It doesn''t look normal..."


    Lorian responded to them from behind.


    "It''s the Evol Pressure Vault. A place where willpower is tested. It was created ten years ago. You two will get the chance to enter that place with your class sometime."


    They nodded, and she handed them their cards. Skyler wore his around his neck.


    His name, age, and a picture Lorian had taken when she left were present on the ID card, along with the words ''First Year Elite Class A'' and student number 102.


    "Class A?"


    He muttered, and Lorian explained.


    "The academy has a large number of students. So, for each class, students are divided into three sections based on their performance: A, B, and C. You two will join section A for now, according to the VP."


    "For now?"


    "Yes, because students in section C are allowed to challenge those in B, and those in B are allowed to challenge those in A to take their spots. Since Class A students enjoy better living space than the rest."


    Skyler chuckled nervously and glanced at Charles, who was at a loss for words.


    "I guess VP Doris really wants us to walk out of this academy ourselves. Or else, why would we be sent to Class A when it''s clear that both B and C will try to challenge us?"


    Charles frowned and looked at Lorian.


    "We can decline those challenges, right?"

 Chapter 82 82: Starlight Academy III

    Lorian smiled. These two at least weren''t foolish enough to overlook their well-being. Normally, students label those who refuse challenges as cowards to provoke them. So, she hoped Skyler and Charles would stay level-headed even in those times.


    "You can decline. However, you have to accept the challenge if the challenger files a complaint and the professors deem it okay. This is to foster competition."


    She leaned in slightly and whispered.


    "A friendly piece of advice: fighting in campus is forbidden. Students can only fight in the arenas in the academy. So, if you two avoid those who challenge you, maybe you will stay in Class A longer."


    Charles nodded and muttered a thanks.


    Skyler sighed in relief. He was shameless, so he knew he could avoid fighting until he got strong enough to beat the challenger.


    He started checking his ID card as they climbed back onto the four-wheeler.


    It was quite late already, and Miss Lorian informed them that their final destination was the Elite students'' living quarters, the rooms assigned to them by the academy.


    Skyler noticed a mark on the back of his student ID. When he pressed it, a floating hologram materialized before him. Charles could see it too; it was similar to the one they saw when Lorian used her card.


    _______


    Star coins: 00


    Voice command to:


    - View your timetable


    - Check available missions


    - Summon an automatic ride


    - View and pay your fees


    - To transfer star coins


    _______


    Skyler and Charles noted the five options shown on the hologram. Technology was convenient. Lorian had registered them in the academy database, so their timetable was updated with the regular classes they had to attend every day except sunday.


    Regarding the optional divisions, she had registered them for the talismans division for now, as they had told her to register for the division with the most students.


    Of course, Skyler wanted to join more divisions, but Miss Lorian, with the most polite smile she could muster, advised him to explore the rest of the divisions first. His days would be packed with regular classes. How could he possibly find enough time to study for more divisions than one?


    Nevertheless, he could always register for more divisions later on. He just needed to visit the same place where she got their ID cards to register for additional divisions.


    Skyler glanced at Charles'' ID card.


    "Student number 101? I am 102. I guess Class A has 100 students, excluding us." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He caressed Riruru as their ride finally stopped before the rows of buildings that comprised the students'' residences. The area was divided into three parts, with the buildings in the central part being more luxurious than those in the other two.


    Lorian quickly led them inside one of the luxurious buildings, stating that this whole area was only for the first-year Elite class. The residences for the students of other years were located in different areas.


    Skyler and Charles noted that on the first floor of the building, multiple chairs were lined around tables. Lorian told them that this is where they would get their daily meals, provided they arrived on time.


    The building was eerily silent, bathed in darkness except for a few flickering lights. After all, the students living there were probably sound asleep at this hour.


    They finally came to a stop outside two rooms on the fourth floor. Lorian seemed fine, but the youths were dead tired and wanted nothing more than to rest.


    Skyler noticed that, unlike the rest of the rooms around, the metal doors of these rooms were not marked with numbers.


    Lorian asked them to put their student ID cards on the doors'' digital locks. They both parted ways and did as she instructed.


    The moment their IDs touched the locks, their student numbers materialized on their room doors. Skyler let out an ''Oh'', staring at the number 102 that appeared on his door.


    "Now I understand why these two rooms didn''t have room numbers before."


    With a click, the metal door to his room creaked open. He glanced over at Charles, whose room was next to his. Just like him, Charles''s door had also opened, and it was now marked with his student number 101.


    Lorian gathered their attention before they entered their rooms, forgetting about her.


    "These are your living quarters while you both are in Class A. They are safe, and no one can get in except you. So make sure you don''t give your ID to anyone else."


    She checked her watch and sighed softly, realizing how late it was. In an hour or two, the new day would begin.


    "I have texted the workers on the first floor. First thing in the morning, you two will need to give them your measurements, and they will provide you with your uniforms."


    They nodded, and she smiled.


    "Alright, that''s it. My job here is done. Now, you both have a basic understanding of the academy. I hope this will be enough for you to adjust here. Only a few hours are left before sunrise. Rest until then."


    With that, she turned and left. Charles and Skyler didn''t even exchange a final glance before entering their respective rooms.


    After the longest and most tiring day of their lives, they were completely drained.


    As Skyler stepped into his room, the lights lit up automatically. The first thing he saw was the medium-sized bed on his right.


    Across from him, a study desk with a chair and a closet rested against the wall. Facing the bed, one corner housed a small kitchen area equipped with a freezer and essential supplies, while the other held a bathroom.


    A window above the study table, adorned with curtains, offered a view of the outside. The room wasn''t small; in fact, it was larger than the one Skyler had at home. Moreover, it was well-maintained and clean.


    He removed his jacket and it dropped on the floor before placing Riruru on the bed. She looked around before closing her eyes again, eliciting a sigh from him.


    "You have been sleeping a lot lately."

 Chapter 83 83: First Class I

    After tucking Riruru in on one side of the bed, Skyler quickly went to take a bath.


    He was elated to see a built-in bathtub in the bathroom. Luckily, he didn''t fall asleep in there and managed to drag himself out before crawling under the bed covers.


    "Lights off..."


    He muttered, and the lights in the room went off automatically. Skyler was only in his boxers, with nothing else covering his damp body. But knowing that no one could enter his room, he just fell asleep.


    Perhaps it was because his body didn''t sense any threat, or maybe he was a deep sleeper, or perhaps a combination of both. Skyler didn''t wake up even when a brilliant light illuminated the entire room.


    The only thing that brought him to a semblance of awareness was a sudden, cold sensation that made him shiver as something icy touched him from behind.


    His ears twitched slightly when a faint, unfamiliar voice sounded behind him.


    "Sky... Skyr..."


    The voice was soft and fragile, as if the owner was learning how to speak.


    In the fog of his semi-consciousness, Skyler noticed a pair of glowing red eyes framed by long white hair, staring at him from above.


    ''A dream?''


    He muttered inwardly and closed his eyes. That was it. The next instance, he was jolted awake, tumbling out of bed by the sound of the restless pounding on his door.


    "What the heck..."


    He cursed under his breath, but his eyes widened when he noticed the morning light filtering through the gaps between the curtains that covered the window.


    "Shit! I am late on the first day!"


    He hastily pulled a pair of pants from his storage ring, slipping them on as he rushed to open the pounding door. There, standing outside, was Charles, clad in his uniform, a deep-purple shirt printed with two golden words, ''Starlight Academy'', on the front, wearing a dark expression on his face.


    Skyler''s eyes shifted nervously.


    "Umm... I forgot to set the alarms."


    Charles scoffed, but instead of wasting time, he pulled out a uniform from his storage ring and pushed it toward him.


    "Our measurements are the same. So, I got your uniform as well from the first floor. Get ready, we''re already late for the first class."


    Skyler''s eyes widened, then he smiled.


    "Thanks! Just give me a minute!"


    He turned toward the bed, spotting the familiar white snake staring back at him.


    "Oh, good, Riruru is awake. Charles, you stay with her. I will be back!"


    He rushed into the bathroom as the gray-haired man entered his room behind him. Charles'' eyebrow twitched the moment he noticed a jacket lying on the floor.


    "Here, I thought he was a clean freak."


    He sighed as he picked up the jacket and tossed it on the bed. His eyes met Riruru''s twinkling red eyes, making him chuckle.


    "Why do you look so happy?"


    Settling next to her on the bed, he reached out to touch her head, but she moved back. He swore her eyes looked annoyed at him.


    "What? Is only Skyler, his mom, and older sister Jenny allowed to touch you? That''s clear discrimination!"


    Riruru narrowed her eyes.


    She understood what he said.


    It was because yesterday, after hearing Miss Lorian talk so much, she had picked up the basic words of their language.


    Charles was stunned and also somewhat speechless when the white snake nodded her head to tell him that, yeah, only Skyler and his family were allowed to touch her.


    "Can you understand me..."


    His words trailed off when he noticed a bright strand of long white hair on the bed.


    "What is this?"


    Picking up the hair, he stared at it with a frown. Confused as to where it came from, since Skyler''s hair was clearly ash-brown.


    "It looks like a woman''s hair."


    His eyes widened. Before he could delve deeper into his observations or notice the look of panic in Riruru''s eyes, Skyler ran out of the bathroom, tucking his shirt into his pants. It was clear he had just splashed some water on his face and changed.


    Even his shoelaces weren''t tied yet.


    He watched as Skyler dashed toward the bed and tied his shoelaces before running his fingers through his messy hair to fix it.


    "I am ready! Let''s leave!"


    Charles could only shake his head and follow behind as the man picked up Riruru and rushed out of the room. Skyler locked his room, and they ran downstairs.


    On the first floor, no students were around. However, the aroma of food wafted through the air as an elderly couple cleared the dirty plates from the many tables. It was clear that the first-year Elite Class A students who lived in the building had already left.


    Skyler''s footsteps halted as his stomach decided to betray him. They had not eaten anything yesterday after breakfast, except for a few snacks. The elderly lady clearing the plates noticed him and Charles. She wore an apron over a loose-fitting dress.


    The old lady checked her watch.


    "You are both late. Considering I haven''t seen you around before, it''s clear you are new here. Would you like some breakfast? I will make an exception for your tardiness since it''s your first time being late."


    Hearing her, Charles paused in his steps. He looked back and facepalmed when he saw Skyler standing still, deep in thought.


    "No, ma''am. Thank you, but there is no need. We''re already late, so we can''t."


    His decision was clear, but the blue-eyed man had other plans. He pointed at Riruru, indicating she was also hungry, and then quickly settled into a nearby table.


    "We are already late. So, what''s a few more minutes? Let''s just grab something light!"


    A vein throbbed on Charles'' forehead. He wanted to abandon the snake and human, but when the old lady went to get food for them, he gritted his teeth and sat down.


    "Fuck! I am late all because of you!"


    ***


    It was a bright morning when Professor Sinclair entered the first-year Elite Class A classroom. Her tall figure exuded authority, and the moment she appeared, everyone in the classroom fell silent. Immediately, the students all stood up in respect.


    She stood on the podium, her eyes scanning the faces of the students before her. The projector in the class sprang to life, casting light on the wall behind her as she placed the files in her hand on the table.


    All one hundred students were present in class, standing in their usual places. She lowered the glasses perched on her nose.


    "Sit down, class."


    The students nodded, and sat down.


    Professor Sinclair''s eyes wandered. Her gaze paused on Jenny, and she sighed.


    "Miss Ironhart. You are finally back? You missed the first week of classes. I won''t repeat the lectures I gave. Therefore, just come to my office if you want any help." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jenny nodded and muttered an apology to the professor. She was seated in the front row with Max, Elena, and Austin.


    Professor Sinclair''s gaze traveled toward Zack, who was seated at the very back.


    "I see many students are on their phones."


    He almost dropped his phone, startled by her sudden words. Then he quickly ducked his head low, hoping to avoid her attention.


    He was just a transmigrator trying to blend in so the protagonist wouldn''t notice him.


    So, no need to give him attention!


    Sinclair called out to a few more students who were trying to sleep, even though the first morning class hadn''t even begun yet. Soon, her brows creased visibly.


    "That''s strange. I received news that two new students would join our class today. Why do I see no new faces around?"


    Her words surprised the students. New students? In Elite Class? That was unheard of. Whispers rippled through the classroom as they wondered how could the academy just let newcomers enter their ranks when the selection had ended a week ago.


    Zack frowned too. He didn''t remember anything like this happening in the book. Why were new students joining them?


    Amidst everyone, only Jenny seemed genuinely shocked. Her expression was noticeable, so Max looked at her face.


    "What happened, Jenny?"


    Jenny shook her head, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.


    "It''s nothing."


    She uttered, but her mind was in turmoil.


    Two new students will be joining them? Was it Skyler and Charles? Impossible!


    Professor Hawthorne and Noire would not let them join the academy, let alone join the Elite Class. Moreover, even if they somehow managed to get in, they would be placed in the first year class, not the Elite class.


    This was just too bizarre.


    Witnessing the commotion, Professor Sinclair raised her voice sternly.


    "Silence, class! Perhaps I received incorrect information about new students. Open your notebooks. We will begin the lectures."


    With ease, she controlled the projector, displaying the first slide of her lecture.


    "Now, where were we? Ah, yes, the third level of Battle Royal. It''s not different from the first two levels. It''s also not particularly challenging as long as you avoid disturbing the monsters sleeping there. The beasts on the first five levels of Battle Royal are quite sluggish, especially the dragons and trolls. Think of these levels as opportunities for you to explore, find hidden treasures, and locate the Gate leading to the next level...."


    Thirty long minutes into Sinclair''s lecture, the classroom door creaked open, revealing two pairs of nervous eyes peering inside.

 Chapter 84 84: First Class II

    Professor Sinclair sensed the two youths peeking through the classroom door. But she continued her lecture.


    The two new students were late, so they should just stay out of the classroom.


    What she didn''t realize was that Skyler wouldn''t be himself if he didn''t shamelessly enter the classroom. Initially, he considered tiptoeing in, but since it was his first day, he dismissed that idea. Rather, he cleared his throat loudly to grab her attention.


    Instead of the female professor, he got the attention of the nearby students who tried to see who was disrupting their class, but they could only see his ash-brown hair.


    Sinclair''s fingers tightened around the projector remote in her hand when Skyler dared to swing open the door and speak.


    "Excuse me, professor! Can we have a minute of your precious time?"


    He quickly dragged Charles in, who was sweating profusely as the whole class fell silent, all eyes fixed on them.


    The heart of one individual in particular nearly dropped when he recognized them. How could he not when one was someone he had ditched and the other was someone he had been looking everywhere for? Zack''s eyes widened as he cursed loudly.


    "The Fuck!"


    This was enough for all eyes to turn to him.


    Zack clamped his mouth shut and lowered his head onto the desk before him, cursing every single person around him.


    ''The heck! The heck! The heck! Keeper of Time??? Where the hell are you??? What in the world?!! Why are Skyler and Charles here?! And why are they together?!!''


    While he was screaming internally, Max, Austin, and Elena were equally shocked to see Skyler again. Jenny was even more so.


    Professor Sinclair finally turned her gaze to the ash-brown haired young man who was smiling sheepishly at her. Her voice was curt and loud as she addressed him.


    "A minute of my precious time? You have already disrupted the lecture so why not."


    "Speak."


    A shiver ran down Skyler''s spine under the weight of her sharp gaze. At least it helped him ignore the curious stares of the other students around. He stepped forward.


    "First, I apologize for interrupting the class, Professor. Actually, we just want to know if this is the First Year Elite Class A?"


    His tone was polite as he adjusted the golden-framed glasses sitting on his nose. He had worn them on the way to look good for his first day of class. After all, he hadn''t been able to properly get ready.


    "We are new students of class A and aren''t sure if we''re in the right place. We''re already late looking for the classroom since it''s our first day. So, we hope you can help us a bit."


    Of course, he was lying. He and Charles both knew where the class was, thanks to the timetable. Moreover, the class building was located near their living quarters.


    But how could he tell the teacher he was late because he stopped for breakfast? That''s why lying was necessary.


    Charles could only clap mentally for his friend''s audacity. Wow. He really needed to learn how to talk his way out of situations with an innocent facade from him!


    Professor Sinclair raised a brow. A bit surprised at how the ash-brown haired youth sounded so genuine and distressed. Plus his face made it look like if she didn''t answer him, she would be bullying a kid who just wanted to know directions.


    She cleared her throat.


    "This is First Year Elite Class A."


    Skyler''s eyes widened.


    "Really? We finally found the class!"


    She narrowed her eyes at the exaggerated dramatic expression. Suspicious. Had she been tricked by this new student?


    "You both are late for your first class."


    Skyler''s shoulders slumped as he stared directly at her with a somber expression.


    "Professor, you know the reason we are late! Please forgive us this time, since it''s the first time. Now that we know where Class A is, we will be on time next time!"


    Professor Sinclair could only sigh at how genuine the kid apology sounded. Usually, students couldn''t even muster the courage to speak in front of her, but this kid was not just speaking confidently, but had given explanations as to why he was late.


    "Alright, come here and introduce yourselves to the class. I don''t know why the VP put you two here, but I don''t tolerate slackers. You bith are far behind everyone else. You need to catch up soon, or I will have no choice but to demote you."


    Skyler and Charles nodded and quickly approached her. As they faced the whole class, Skyler finally became aware of what he had been ignoring all this time: the dark, judgmental stares of every student. They all radiated a powerful presence, looking down at him and Charles as if they were prey. All because they both had waltzed their way into their class without any struggle.


    Skyler felt sweat trickling down his spine when he felt the pressure coming off them, but his calm expression did not falter. This was the class he had to surpass.


    How could he get cold feet now?


    A smile lit up his face, making him look extra charming. However, the eyes of the students were on the snake that slithered out of his shirt and slumped her head on his head lazily, messing up his hair.


    "Hello everyone. I am Skyler Ironhart. I will be a part of the First year Elite class A from now on. So, I hope we get along." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He glanced at Charles who, just like him, stood straight with a calm expression.


    "My name is Charles Mahson. I am here to become stronger so I will do my best."


    Murmurs echoed through the classroom as students discussed why Skyler had a beast stronger than himself. Most importantly, did he say his last name was Ironhart?


    Many eyes darted towards Jenny, who felt increasingly uncomfortable in her seat.


    Austin and Elena''s heads whipped toward her as well. Now they understood why she had cried so much when they had left ''Sky'' during the preliminary test. A grin spread across Austin''s face as he stared at her.


    "A neighbor? Wow! Did you lie¡ª"


    He was cut off by Elena.


    "Zip it. She must have her reasons."


    Jenny''s face burned with embarrassment. She never imagined she could be caught. In the end, she could only stay silent and sit quietly, pretending nothing had happened.


    Max attempted to smooth things over.


    "Come on, guys. Let''s forget about what happened. Now we need to focus on Sky. He is new to our academy and class, and it''s our responsibility to help him adjust."


    Unlike the duo, he knew what happened back then. He needed to make sure they didn''t misinterpret Jenny. She probably panicked when she saw her brother.


    Austin snickered inwardly. If it were him whose sister introduced him as a neighbor to her friends, he would be pissed enough to fight her, let alone forget about it.


    Professor Sinclair smiled, intrigued by the self-assured manner in which the two new students presented themselves. It seems they weren''t entirely hopeless.


    If the two also worked hard, they might manage to stay in the Elite class.


    She clapped her hands to gain everyone''s attention before turning to the new arrivals.


    "Go find an empty seat for yourselves. I''ll continue the class. If you don''t understand anything, just ask. After all, you''re directly starting from the Elite class unlike others."


    Her simple words once again cast a very somber mood over the whole class. Was it not enough that these two had joined their class so easily, but they also lacked the prior knowledge everyone else had?


    Did they bribe their way in?


    That''s what everyone was thinking.


    The students exchanged furtive glances, secretly plotting to make the new students run away from their class on their own.


    Charles was about to go find a seat, but Skyler stopped him and looked at Sinclair.


    "Professor, can we sit in the front? The empty seats are all the way in the back. I have a bit of weak eyesight."


    It was clear he was lying this time. What weak eyesight? Everyone knew those who could use Evol had sharp senses.


    Sinclair didn''t point him out, thinking Skyler wanted to concentrate on class. She looked at the students sitting in the front row.


    "Can two of the students in front go back?"


    No one budged, and some students even scoffed inwardly in distaste. Ultimately, it was Max who stood up with a smile.


    "Skyler, you and Charles can sit in my and Austin''s place. We can sit in the back."


    Austin''s eyes widened.


    "The heck. When did I agree?"


    He had to shut his mouth and follow Max when the professor thanked the jerk.


    Skyler smirked when he saw Jenny and Elena following behind the two men. That''s exactly what he wanted to happen. Charles shivered when he saw his smile. He knew his friend was going to ignore Jenny. But you see, Skyler was very petty. Directly or indirectly, he would settle all old scores.

 Chapter 85 85: First Class III

    With four seats empty, although they just asked for two, Skyler and Charles quickly settled down together in the front row.


    Skyler pulled out notebooks from his storage ring, placing a few on the empty chair beside him and the other on the empty chair next to Charles. So, no one would sit on them.


    ''I can''t let the spoils of my first victory go to waste now, can I? Hehe.''


    He adjusted his glasses with his hand, leaving Charles speechless at his actions.


    What they were oblivious to was that a person in the last row, who was desperate to stay unseen, was fuming and cursing them.


    Max glanced at Zack, as the latter tried to hide his face from him, and nodded silently as he took a seat next to him, frowning.


    ''He is in our class? I didn''t even notice.''


    Professor Sinclair continued her lecture from where she left off. Charles took out a pen and notebook, very focused as he took notes of the important parts. They had just joined the class but surprisingly the topic was not hard. After all, the professor was talking about the levels of Battle Royal.


    He noticed Skyler was also focused on the lecture, diligently taking notes just like him. But when he peeked into his notebook, he was dumbfounded to find a few circled words and a drawing of Riruru.


    For a second, Charles marveled at just how well Skyler could draw, but then he came to his senses and facepalmed.


    ''Ignore him and focus on class!''


    Many students, especially the bullies who had been humbled by Max, kept a watchful eye on the new arrivals with wicked smiles, waiting for the lecture to end so they could teach them a lesson for strutting their way into Class A and show them their place.


    However, the duo in question didn''t even bother to acknowledge their gaze.


    Professor Sinclair noticed how Skyler and Charles were focused, unlike many others who were yawning, and she was delighted.


    She knew students found theory classes boring because they could pass with good practical scores, even if they did poorly on the written tests. So, she was happy to see someone actually taking notes.


    The lecture flew by, and soon it was time for the professor to turn off the projector.


    "Alright, class, that''s all for today. I believe you''ve got the knowledge to clear the first few levels of Battle Royal. We will pick up right where we left off tomorrow."


    She adjusted her glasses, gathered the papers, and left the classroom. Behind her, the class erupted into a flurry of murmurs.


    A group of students approached Skyler and Charles. One of them, a tall, lanky man with a sneer, kicked Skyler''s chair from behind.


    "Hey, you newbies. How about you show some respect to the seniors?"


    The man jolted back when Skyler abruptly stood up, his face solemn, and shouted.


    "We will be late! Let''s run for next class!"


    Charles was stunned, but he could only rush after Skyler as the latter ran out of the class, leaving the bewildered seniors who were unsure of what had just transpired.


    Max, who had hastily left his seat and was coming to their help, stopped in his tracks.


    "Why did they run?"


    A vein pulsed on the forehead of the tall, lanky man, known as Vex, the biggest bully in the class. He could accept Max ignoring him since that prick was stronger than him, but how dare a weakling ignore him!


    "That bastard! How dare he!"


    Vex glared at the students behind him.


    "What the hell are you all looking at my face for? Go behind them and capture them!"


    Everyone quickly dispersed at his angry words, and he followed, rolling his sleeves. Max and his team hurriedly trailed behind to stop him from harming Jenny''s brother.


    To their surprise, both Skyler and Charles were already in the room, where the next lecture would happen, standing before the professor, introducing themselves.


    Professor Garrick, First Year Elite Class A spell language instructor, nodded warmly at the two new students. He was a tall man in his forties, clad in a robe over his clothes.


    Vex and his minions could only grit their teeth and take their seats. It was fine, but Vex lost it when he saw Skyler smirking at him. But fortunately, before he could make a scene, his minions dragged him away.


    Zack gnawed his nails as he entered the class, still not reconciled with the fact that Skyler and Charles had joined them.


    His heart sank when he saw Vex¡ªthe one who should only ever focus on competing with Max and Austin¡ªfocusing on Skyler.


    ''Their presence is messing up the story! This will change the future! Damn it!''


    Max and his team were once again unable to sit in their usual seats when Skyler informed the professor he wanted to sit in the front.


    The young man didn''t even bother to lie this time and simply said he wanted to focus.


    Professor Garrick scanned the class.


    "Those of you sitting in the front row, make room for the new students. They have much to learn, unlike the rest of you. Help them adjust, you are their seniors in a way."


    Jenny frowned, and Austin wanted to kick this jerk when Max, like the good student he was, followed the professor''s words with a smile, and their group moved to the back.


    Vex snickered at them from his seat. At least, his enemies were suffering as well.


    Skyler sat down in the front. Next to him, Charles wiped his sweaty forehead.


    "Why are you making more enemies?"


    Skyler blinked innocently. His eyes could even make those who hated him trust him.


    "When did I?"


    Charles could only shut up as Professor Garrick started the class. He didn''t use the projector. Instead, he taught with practical examples and demonstrations.


    He conjured a ball of water with Evol, and then suddenly the water expanded into a massive wave that rose only to vanish.


    The Professor was trying his best not to overwhelm the new students, so he didn''t directly start with hard terms. After all, he had heard about the new students from the VP and knew that unlike Class A students who had learned advanced spell language, the new students were just beginners.


    He was a teacher who cared for all his students, regardless of their abilities. As a professor, he felt it was his duty to equip them all with the knowledge they needed.


    But mid-lesson, he was forced to increase the difficulty when some students claimed they already understood the material.


    The professor could only sigh and resolve to help Skyler and Charles after the class if the duo needed clarification or guidance.


    "As you all know, the Evol that flows within and around us is the essence of Spells and fuels their power. Language of a higher-tier spells is inherently more complex, for they encompass a greater understanding of the flow of Evol. Just as I can enhance a simple water spell by adding intricate patterns, it is not about memorizing words, but about grasping the essence of their power..."


    Charles sighed as he put down his pen.


    "This is hard. I understand the theory, but not how to practically do what he is trying to tell us about high-tier spells..."


    Skyler tilted his head to glance at him.


    "It''s not that hard. Just try to listen to the incantation the professor is using when he demonstrates and repeat it."


    A few students seated behind him who heard him snickered. Even they had a hard time catching when the professor chanted a spell due to his quick and rapid pace, and he was saying it wasn''t hard?


    Charles scoffed at him.


    "You don''t even have a spell for your Light element. Why do you sound like you just learned a spell by hearing the professor?"


    Skyler simply shrugged, unsure how to tell him that, yes, he had indeed learned a new spell. He didn''t have the water element, or else he would have shown him.


    His eyes traveled to his Status, where another spell was added when he learned it. It was a weak version of what the professor demonstrated, but it was a spell in the end. A Novice tier spell, ''Water Ball''.


    ''If I got the water element in the future, I believe I can use it.'' S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His eyes became very alert, and he even shut Charles up when the professor started teaching about the Light element spells.


    Garrick instructed the students on how to conjure higher-tier Light element spells as quickly as possible. However, Skyler learned a weaker version. His eyes were so focused that even the professor smiled.


    At the end of the second lecture, Skyler turned to Charles with a wide grin.


    "I told you it wasn''t hard."


    He raised his finger, and then a light lit up at the tip of his finger, causing Charles to choke on his breath. Even the professor, who was gathering his things, nearly stumbled when he heard and saw what Skyler did.

 Chapter 86 86: You are already capable I

    Professor Garrick approached Skyler, who was busy showing off to Charles, unaware that the students sitting behind them were staring at him as if he was a ghost.


    The professor''s footsteps faltered when Skyler decided to open his mouth again.


    "It''s a shame the professor didn''t focus more on Light element spells, or else I would have learned more spells for my element."


    Garrick cleared his throat to catch the attention of the two new students.


    "How was the class? I used a lot of difficult terms. So, if you don''t understand anything, don''t hesitate to ask questions."


    Charles had some questions he asked the professor but Skyler simply blinked at him.


    "No, Professor, I got it. The lecture wasn''t that difficult. It will just take me some time to digest it, since the information was new."


    Garrick''s smile stiffened. He wondered if Skyler was lying to him because he knew his lecture was challenging, especially for those who hadn''t taken any classes related to spell language before. So why did this lad make it sound like it was nothing?


    He nodded, silently deciding to closely observe the new students in his class. If Skyler hadn''t learned the spell he had just shown Charles before, then he must have created a weaker version of the Light spell Garrick had demonstrated in class.


    That in itself was remarkable!


    No student had ever learned a spell just by observing someone cast a spell before!


    If this was true, it meant this kid was a genius of spell language! One that could surpass everyone if he had knowledge!


    "I see. Just remember, if you two have any questions, you can consult me after class, or you can come to my office."


    Skyler and Charles thanked him, and the professor rushed out of the class to share his discovery with his fellow professors.


    He had to tell those fools who were very displeased with the new students enrolling in Elite Class A that one of those students might be a genius in spell language! While the other wasn''t bad either, seeing how he understood most of his lecture! Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as the professor left, Skyler quickly grabbed his things and whispered.


    "Run when I do."


    Charles nodded grimly. Just like Skyler, he had sensed Vex''s approaching presence. So, without a second thought, he sprinted after him when he ran off, leaving the bully and his goons fuming behind them.


    Vex let out a shout and kicked a student desk, nearly sending it flying.


    "Those little pricks! I''m going to challenge them to a duel! Yes, that''s it! That''s the only way I can show them who''s boss¡ª"


    He clamped his mouth shut mid-sentence and gritted his teeth as Max glared at him.


    ''This Devil! Why is he interfering with me when I''m not even targeting him!''


    After this, the students went to their next class, where an old male professor lectured on how to efficiently use Evol and make the elemental crystals in their hearts stronger.


    Then, they went to another lecture given by a young woman as a professor. She taught them about the weaknesses and strengths of monsters, how to fight them, and which parts of the monsters were valuable.


    However, Vax and his team weren''t able to lay their hands on Skyler and Charles! First, the two would bolt off instantly after class, and second, they would unnecessarily chat with any professor they saw on the way!


    Vex''s blood was boiling. He crushed the pen in his hand, his gaze fixed on Skyler''s head as he sat directly behind him in the next class, a lecture on History of Eldoria.


    "Following this, we have one hour break to go eat and drink. Now where will you run!"


    He deliberately made his voice loud, ensuring his prey could hear him.


    But he nearly saw blood when, after class, instead of going for break, both Skyler and Charles stayed behind with the professor, feigning a deep interest in history.


    The old, white-haired professor was more than willing to talk more about history now that some kids actually showed interest.


    So, Vex''s minions had to quickly drag him away before he crushed another object in his frustration, like his innocent pen.


    Charles sighed, glancing at Skyler as the elderly professor rambled on endlessly.


    "How long do you think we can keep dodging him like this? We have to handle this before the professors get involved."


    Skyler rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    "He''s not the only one showing hostility. Haven''t you noticed the intense, watchful eyes on us? Except for a few who couldn''t care less, every student in class A is just waiting for a chance to take us down."


    Perhaps sensing his bad mood, Riruru tapped his chin, making him chuckle. He looked toward the last row of the class. A student was still there, watching them.


    It was a face Skyler recognized¡ªZack.


    A smirk played on his lips and he looked away, just before Zack noticed his gaze.


    "You know, Vex is openly challenging us. He''s not dangerous because he''s showing his true colors, unlike the rest of the class who are just watching silently, waiting for us to stumble so they can laugh. So, him being behind us is actually a good thing since no one else will bother us until he does."


    Charles wanted to compliment him for thinking so far ahead, but Skyler had to destroy his image with his next words.


    "Ugh... I''m exhausted. We are practically running around taking classes back-to-back. Just when will this end? I even have to go to the library to get some spell scrolls to learn since we have to learn the basics ourselves now. Riruru and I are starving too..."


    He grumbled on and on, making even the chatty professor quiet due to his voice. The professor cleared his throat, embarrassed he became engrossed in history again, and told them to go and eat something.


    Charles noticed the sparkle in Skyler''s eyes and understood this jerk deliberately raised his voice to make the professor stop. They left the class together, munching on some dried fruit snacks they had packed in their storage rings before leaving Nowan City.


    Skyler checked his student ID card.


    "Our next class is physical training in the training grounds, followed by virtual reality training and then weapon practice. That is the last class for today. As for the talisman division class, it''s on Saturday afternoon."


    Charles nodded as they made their way towards the first-year Elite class training grounds, located in the dome behind the building they were in, oblivious to the impending danger that awaited them.


    "Let''s go to the library together if we have any strength left at the end of the day."


    Skyler was more than willing.


    Just as they entered the gate of the dome and stepped foot in the space filled with gym equipment and training dummies, they were greeted by the familiar ''hidden master'' they met yesterday in the registration building.


    Many of the Class A students were already gathered in front of him as he stood before them with a solemn expression. Max and Austin stood on either side of him.


    Skyler''s mood soured at the sight. He and Charles thought the same thing.


    "So, they are the ones who stole the powerful hidden master?"


    They glanced at each other and shrugged with dejected looks. It seemed they had to give up on this hidden character. Hopefully, the both would find a better master, one that was stronger than this one.


    Professor Moore noticed the two new students who entered the dome. The duo was very good-looking and stood out from the rest of the arriving Class A students, who looked like dry shrimps in comparison.


    He glanced at Max and Austin.


    ''My students are better looking!''


    As the last student of Elite Class A finally arrived, Professor Moore clapped his hands to get their attention and silence them.


    "Alright, kids. I believe many of you know me? I was your professor in third year. But I had to leave for a long while... In any case, now that I am back, I will once again be in charge of your physical training."


    He clasped his hands behind his back, a smirk playing on his lips. Those who had seen that smirk before all shuddered.


    "I heard from Doris all of you cleared the preliminary test with a rather outstanding performance. Especially Max and his group. Well, I expected as much from them since they trained under me."


    His eyes were filled with pride, and Skyler scoffed inwardly. He had also performed very well in the preliminary test, alright!


    "I don''t like him. He''s boasting. Tsk."


    He muttered, and Charles agreed.


    Moore''s ear twitched at their words, but he didn''t take them to heart and chose to ignore them for now. He had more important things to announce to the students.


    "All hundred of you. No, Doris mentioned that this class has two new students. All of you have experienced the preliminary test and know what the Battle Royal actually is. So, I don''t understand why you are wasting time when many of you are already capable of entering the first Level of Battle Royal!"

 Chapter 87 87: You are already capable II

    Professor Moore raised his voice.


    "That''s why I have decided those capable should enter the first level of Battle Royal!"


    A collective gasp rippled through the dome as Professor Moore''s words hung in the air. The gathered students couldn''t believe what they were hearing. The Professor had asked them to enter the first level of Battle Royal!


    But how could they do it so suddenly, with no preparation whatsoever??! They had to pack food, clothes, and other essentials!


    It was true that those who passed the test could enter the first level anytime, however, according to the academy''s rules, students were only supposed to enter after a year!


    This was to reduce casualties by equipping them with all the knowledge about the first level that the academy could offer! After all, the structure of all the levels of Battle Royal remained consistent, unlike the preliminary test, so this information was invaluable!


    Not to mention, those who took part in the preliminary test were still consolidating the strength they gained there, and had yet to consume the treasures they acquired!


    Lastly, once they entered the Battle Royal, they wouldn''t be able to return for ten days! And Professor Moore was asking them to do something so dangerous?!


    Moore heard the students'' whispers and watched their reactions. A frown creased his brows as he raised his voice.


    "Silence! When did the students of Elite Class become so cowardly? I only said that those capable should enter the first level of Battle Royal instead of wasting time, and you are scared? Is this what the academy has been teaching you in my absence?"


    His words echoed throughout the dome, making everyone sweat. They all shuffled back, seeing him angry. It was Max who responded on everyone''s behalf.


    "No, we are not scared, Professor. It''s just not advisable for us to enter the first level so abruptly without any preparations."


    Austin agreed with his words.


    Moore looked at the youths who stood next to him, and his expression softened. These were his students! So confident and poised! Unlike the others who were scaredy cats!


    When he turned to the other students standing before him, his gaze narrowed.


    "So, only two students can speak in this class, huh? Tsk, what about the rest?"


    The students felt flustered. As the main female characters, Elena and Jenny should have spoken next, since Max had taken the lead, but Charles beat them to it.


    "Professor, no matter how strong we are or how much we know about the Battle Royal, everyone knows that it is a dangerous and unpredictable place. But we are not scared. We were simply startled by your words."


    Skyler muttered after him.


    "He is right. So, how about the professor tells us why he''s asking us to enter the first level of Battle Royal? Perhaps knowing the reason will help the students decide?"


    Hearing them, Zack''s heart trembled. He couldn''t believe the extra characters, who shouldn''t even be present in the academy, were actively interfering in the story! Adding insult to injury, they were also stealing the protagonist and his team''s spotlight!


    He knew today was the day a major event was going to happen! Many students from First Year Elite Class A would enter the first level of Battle Royal without the academy''s permission soon. So, Max and his team should be the ones driving this event!


    Moore chuckled at Skyler''s words.


    "What a shame, I already have two good disciples. You two are promising talents."


    He whispered, giving Zack another tiny panic attack. Unlike him, Skyler and Charles strangely felt satisfied that the professor was regretting choosing Max and Austin.


    Moore smirked as he formed a voice-concealing barrier around them before gathering everyone''s attention.


    "I understand what you are saying. The Battle Royal is a dangerous place."


    He paused for a second.


    "But what if I told you that those students who follow my suggestion and enter the First Level of Battle Royal now will receive a map that will guide them to locations where they could potentially find treasures, and even to the Gate leading to the next level of Battle Royal? I am certain those students will be able to clear the first level within a week!"


    A pin-drop silence descended upon the dome. It took the students a few seconds to digest his words, and when they did, a wave of commotion erupted. Shock was a gross understatement of what the students felt.


    It didn''t matter if it was the first level or the 51st¡ªhow the hell could someone clear a level of Battle Royal in just a week when the shortest time recorded to clear a level of Battle Royal in Eldoria was one month?


    Moreover, how could there be a map that would guide them to the potential locations of treasures in the first level and also to the Gate leading to the next level?


    It was simply unheard of!


    Many of the students present hailed from wealthy families. If the professor''s words held any truth, wouldn''t they have already known about it from their families?


    Even Skyler and Charles were curious to know if the professor was telling the truth.


    Max and Austin exchanged glances. They both knew trouble was brewing when they saw Moore, but they didn''t predict that he would say something so shocking.


    This time, the students didn''t hesitate for even a second. They began questioning the professor''s words, their skepticism evident.


    Moore''s eyes crinkled with amusement when he had the students'' full attention. He had deliberately created a voice-concealing barrier to ensure what he was doing stayed private, especially from Doris, that nagging old woman, and the other powerful figures staying within the academy.


    He couldn''t afford to be caught now, not before he finished what he started! The consequences would be severe.


    ''I will face the punishment later. It''s not like this is the first time I am doing something that would get me beaten up. Haha.''


    He clapped his hands, and the sharp, resounding sound echoed in the air.


    "Listen up!"


    The dome fell silent.


    "I''m not lying. What would I even gain from that, huh? I''m giving you all a chance to get stronger, to write your names in the history of Eldoria as the ones who cleared a level of Battle Royal in just one week. It''s your call. Take it or leave it. I''m not forcing anyone."


    With a wave of his hand, Moore retrieved many maps from his storage ring, the scrolls hovering in the air under his control. He then pulled out a small pouch and from it, several storage rings. They too joined the maps in the air, floating effortlessly.


    "This is what will be given to those who agree to do what I asked. I found the real map of the first level in the Battle Royal. It was a coincidence that I stumbled upon it. But it took me an entire night to make copies of it, acquire storage rings and fill them with food and daily necessities you will need for a week. I know some of you are strong enough to go without eating. Still, I put enough food and clothes in the storage rings."


    He stared at them solemnly.


    "Now choose. Would you like to walk out of this dome and pretend this never happened, or would you like to grab the chance I am offering and get stronger?"


    There was silence. As expected from the protagonist, Max was the one who stepped forward first, his golden eyes serious.


    "Professor, I would like to accept. I want to get stronger. No, I need to get stronger. I always feel like if I don''t, I will regret it."


    Moore shook his shoulder with a grin.


    "I knew my student wouldn''t disappoint me! I will give you one storage ring and one map."


    He waved his hand. Immediately, the best storage ring and a scrolled map, floating in the air, landed in Max''s hand.


    Austin snickered and agreed next.


    "If he is going, how can I stay behind? I''m going too, even if no one else goes!"


    After him, Jenny and Elena also stepped forward, declaring they would also enter the first level of Battle Royal. This gave many students the confidence to follow suit. But there were still many students who didn''t.


    Charles glanced at the ash-brown haired young man standing beside him.


    "What about you?"


    Skyler''s lips curved upward.


    "Same question, buddy."


    Charles wore a serious expression on his face. He wasn''t sure if his decision was right. They had joined the academy just yesterday, and they were already getting into danger. But he also wanted to get stronger.


    "I am weak compared to the rest. But this is a good opportunity. I will enter the first level."


    Skyler nodded with a hum.


    "Okay. I will follow as well. But what about Riruru? She won''t be able to come with us. Only I will get teleported to the first level." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    They both approached the professor, and Moore was quite surprised to see them.


    "You two want to go as well? You do know that you are very weak compared to others? There is no one forcing you, remember."


    Charles exhaled softly.


    "Professor, you said this chance is for all. I hope you won''t go back on your word."


    Skyler agreed with him.


    "I just have one very important request. I want someone trustworthy to take care of Riruru while I am gone."

 Chapter 88 88: You are already capable III

    Moore chuckled at Skyler''s request. His gaze shifted to the white snake clinging to his arm. She was a powerful 9-star beast.


    Even if Skyler was a genius beast tamer, it was unusual to see such a strong creature paired with someone weaker than itself.


    Maybe she had taken a liking to him and chosen to become his companion?


    Anyway, taking care of a beast was no challenge for him. Also, he was searching for a powerful beast to accompany him to the underground beast tamer battle arena. This snake could be the ideal partner.


    So, Moore was more than willing to take care of the snake in Skyler''s absence. With that in mind, he reached out to take Riruru.


    "Then leave her to me, I''ll take care¡ª


    His words were cut short by Skyler.


    "Wait, on second thought, I''ll just call my mom and ask her to pick up Riruru. I don''t think I can leave my precious Riruru with anyone in the academy, especially since I just joined this place yesterday."


    Moore''s eyebrow twitched as he watched Skyler pull out his phone to call his mother. He couldn''t believe the kid didn''t trust him!


    "Tsk..."


    He glanced at Charles and, with a wave of his hand, gave him a storage ring and map. Charles noticed his annoyed expression.


    "Professor, Skyler is very approachable but doesn''t trust others easily. Riruru is close to him. So, don''t take his words to heart."


    Moore patted his shoulder.


    "You know him very well?"


    "No, just enough."


    They were talking when Skyler returned.


    "Mom will be here in a while. Until then, I hope you take care of Riruru, Professor."


    Moore wrinkled his nose in distaste but nodded and handed him a storage ring and a scrolled map. A twinkle of amusement lit up his eyes as he saw how the storage ring that Skyler had received was the weakest among the ones he ordered last night.


    "You have terrible luck. Are you sure you want to do what I said? With your current strength, I fear you might accidentally get crushed under a sleeping troll."


    It was at that moment that Jenny showed up. Her eyes darkened as she stared at the storage ring and map in her brother''s hand.


    "No! Sky won''t! Professor, he''s not strong enough. It''s dangerous for him. Please take back the map and storage ring from him."


    Moore was taken aback by her sudden interruption. More than that, every student fell silent when Jenny, the one who always stayed quiet, suddenly raised her voice.


    Max agreed with her.


    "Yes, Professor. I believe Sky still needs time to grow stronger before he is ready to face that unsafe place again."


    The remaining students of Class A whispered among themselves, agreeing that Max and Jenny were right. Considering Skyler''s current strength, he would just die in the Battle Royal. The look of disdain and amusement in their eyes was clear.


    A chill ran down Skyler''s spine. What was this? Who gave Jenny and Max the right to interfere and make decisions on his behalf?


    He didn''t remember he did it!


    Then why were they treating him like a fragile being that needed their protection? Like someone incapable of doing anything, facing danger and surviving on their own? This wasn''t mere worry anymore, they were patronizing him!


    Charles noticed how Skyler''s expression chilled as he stared at Jenny. He wanted to step in, knowing that their relationship was already strained, but Skyler spoke up.


    "This is my freaking life! I will decide what is good for me, and what is not! No other person gets to tell me!"


    His voice, though calm, held an underlying tremor of defiance and simmering rage. His emotions were spiraling out of control.


    Again and again, these people acted as if they were the greatest saints in Eldoria, and he, Skyler, was a pathetic fool who needed their condescending assistance!


    Why? How dare they?


    How dare these mere¡ª


    The darkness creeping into his eyes vanished when he saw a pair of worried red eyes staring at him. A faint voice inside him chuckled, and he couldn''t understand why. The snake blinked and touched his head.


    Charles gripped his shoulder.


    "Skyler?"


    Calmness returned to his expression, accompanied by a smile as he glanced at Jenny, who stared at him in shock. Not just her, everyone around her looked shocked. They were stunned by his outburst.


    Skyler cleared his throat and pointed his finger at his sister and the tall, handsome golden-eyed man standing beside her.


    "Don''t ever call me ''Sky'' again. ''Sky'' is reserved for only my friends and family."


    He glanced at Moore.


    "Professor, I apologize for raising my voice. But I said I would enter the Battle Royal, and I will. No need to listen to anyone else for it."


    Moore nodded, his brow furrowed. Earlier, when Skyler shouted, he had felt a surge of powerful dark aura coming from him. It was unsettling. But how was this possible?


    Skyler was only a 4-star!


    Also, from the students'' expressions, he could tell that only he had sensed it.


    Behind him, Jenny''s face flushed with embarrassment. Skyler had rejected her goodwill? What was wrong with him?


    Didn''t he realize his potential was limited? Even if he returned to the Battle Royal, he wouldn''t be able to increase his strength! Why was he putting himself in danger?


    She clenched her fists as she heard many students snickering at her and Max''s failed attempt to put on a show of concern.


    "Sky...!"


    She shouted at Skyler, but he ignored her.


    "Alright! Do whatever you want!"


    Max tried to calm her down.


    However, she muttered, ''Status''.


    In the next second, a brilliant gray light flashed around her, and she vanished in front of everyone. It was clear she had entered the 1st level of Battle Royal.


    Max let out a sigh. He glanced at Skyler, unsure what they had said was so wrong for the latter to react so negatively.


    "Why are you both fighting instead of working things out? She is your sister." Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He wanted to say more, even stepping toward him, but Elena stopped him.


    "It''s their family matter."


    Max''s brow creased, but he nodded.


    "Let''s follow Jenny. Also, find each other through the tracking artifacts the academy gave us previously. It''s better that way."


    He vanished after that. Elena followed suit. Austin smirked at Skyler and vanished from the dome as well. After the main cast, one by one, all the students who had agreed to Professor Moore''s words began to vanish.


    Zack watched Skyler and Charles.


    ''I don''t know what will happen. But let''s hope they both don''t interfere with the story more than they already have. Or else I have to change my original plan.''


    With that thought, he vanished too.


    In the end, only the students who had declined Moore''s offer remained in the dome, along with the two new students.


    Charles watched in amusement as Skyler gently pulled the clinging snake from his body and placed her on the ground.


    Skyler bent down to her level as Riruru stared at him with aggrieved eyes.


    "Don''t be angry, okay? I''ll be back in no time. I don''t want to leave either, but I have to."


    She understood his words, and that made her even more distraught, sad, and angry.


    Riruru wanted to rush toward him to wrap herself around his body but couldn''t when he shook his head with a sigh, almost as if he understood her intentions.


    "Mom will be here soon. Go with her, okay?"


    She blinked at the familiar word ''Mom''. It was the person Skyler considered family. But why did he want her to stay with her? She wanted to stay with him!


    Her thoughts dissipated, and she froze as he suddenly lowered his head and kissed the top of her head with a smile.


    "Just wait for me, I will bring you a lot of gems and beautiful crystals to play with. I heard there are many sleeping Dragons in the first level of Battle Royal."


    Professor Moore and the students who were watching the scene couldn''t help but think something was extremely wrong with Skyler''s behavior. However, they couldn''t pinpoint what exactly was wrong.


    Unlike them, Charles had a different crisis. Skyler''s last words to Riruru were downright bone-chilling! Knowing this bastard, he will actually go and steal from a dragon!


    Skyler stood up, and the dazed snake just stared at him. She was still trying to grasp what she felt when he kissed her head.


    He looked at Charles.


    "We are the last ones left. Let''s leave."


    But he was met with a different question.


    "You were joking, right?"


    Skyler glanced at Charles with confusion, and the latter knew he wasn''t joking at all when he said he would bring a lot of gems and crystals for Riruru. Damnit, she didn''t even like those things! This bastard just needs a reason to justify his craziness!


    Charles'' jaw tightened.


    "Don''t you dare to look for me there! I don''t want to die young because of you!"


    With that, he vanished. Skyler''s eyebrow twitched. What wrong had he done now?


    "At least tell me what happened?"


    He clicked his tongue with a smirk. A gray light enveloped him and he vanished as well. He was sure to find Charles in there.


    After all, his motto was, friends should suffer together, even if one of them was innocent.

 Chapter 89: First Level of Battle Royal I

    Moore watched the last student who accepted his offer vanish. The thought of Skyler excluding a powerful dark aura was already at the back of his head. He grinned widely, his eyes shifting to the students who hadn¡¯t accepted his offer.


    "Of the 102 students, 45 left. That¡¯s more than I expected. Haha. Now, I will wait for them to return and make me proud. Once they clear a level of Battle Royal, they can bypass the rule that prevents them from leaving that place for 10 days."


    Jolted by his voice, Riruru snapped out of her daze. Her eyes widened as she realized Skyler was gone. Instantly, the aura around her spiked, and the space trembled as she increased her size to its original in anger.


    The students gasped in shock, seeing a massive snake behind Professor Moore. But before they could react, she slammed her tail on the ground, and it cracked.


    Moore let out a sigh, his eyes flashing with a brief, intense glow as he clenched his fist. A surge of Evol erupted from him, forming a wind barrier around Riruru, who struggled.


    "What a cranky beast. Its partner just left, and it¡¯s already out of control."


    He looked back at the struggling snake. Its true form was huge, and it even made him, who had seen many tamed beasts, envious.


    "But I must say, it¡¯s magnificent."


    The students staring at Riruru nodded in agreement, admiring the beautiful beast. Yet, they froze when the voice-concealing barrier Professor Moore erected earlier shattered with a resounding sound.


    Next, a furious bellow erupted from the dome entrance, shaking the very air.


    "Moore Isaknor!"


    VP Doris, her assistant Lorian, and Professor Sinclair strode into the dome. Doris¡¯ face was grim as she surveyed the area, her gaze finally settling on Moore, who was prepared to flee the scene.


    "Do you have any idea what you just did?"


    She asked, her voice icy.


    He let out a dry laugh, his palm slick with sweat, because he knew he was done for.


    "Esteemed VP, I found something valuable in the 40th level of Battle Royal, so I offered the students a deal they would never get in their life. Believe me, they will be grateful!"


    His words were barely out before powerful bolts of lightning struck down from above, their speed impossible for anyone to track. Moore¡¯s eyes widened and he vanished.


    Doris clenched her fists in fury.


    "How dare that fool break the academy rules again! This time he¡¯s gone too far! If I hadn¡¯t heard from my spirit about what he was doing, I would have never known!"


    She glanced at Professor Sinclair.


    "Put a bounty on his head! Tell the off-duty staff and the academy Lights to track that prick down and bring him to me!"


    Sinclair nodded and left. Then, the VP turned to her assistant, Lorian.


    "Make sure the news of what happened here today doesn¡¯t spread. If our enemies and the other academies found out, they would jump at the chance to damage our reputation. Even the relatives of those who had vanished would cause a scene. That¡¯s why, keep this under wraps until I speak with the principal about how to proceed."


    Lorian nodded before pointing at the struggling white snake trying to break free from the wind barrier around its body.


    "What about the snake?"


    Doris noticed the cracked ground in the dome and rubbed her temples with a sigh.


    "Handle it until its owner is back."


    ***


    In the first floor of Battle Royale, Skyler blinked open his eyes when he felt his sneakers touch a hard surface. Before he could process his surroundings, a rather familiar gray screen flashed before him.


    ("Host! You have finally decided to come back! I thought I would have to wait for a year or two! 505 missed you so much!")


    Skyler chuckled at the enthusiasm. Even without having a physical form, the system was able to show its excitement.


    "Me too. I didn¡¯t think we would meet so soon. But it¡¯s good to see you again. How did you know I am here so soon?"


    ("Host, did you forget we share a link? Of course, 505 will be the first to know when you arrive here! Anyway, 505 isn¡¯t sure if it should be happy that there are more skills and spells added to your status or cry knowing they are completely useless?")


    Skyler blinked. Was the system being sarcastic? If yes, it was an improvement compared to the first time they met.


    "You have become too chatty, 505."


    Another screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Gasp! I am not! 505 is just stating what it is seeing in host status. And host, why are you still so weak? Have you not worked hard at all in the outside world?")


    The system started panicking when it saw that its host was only at the mid-stage of 4-star! How was its host going to clear the 1st level with such pitiful power? Was its journey going to end when it had just begun?


    Skyler¡¯s eyebrow twitched.


    "Stay quiet, 505. Do your job instead of worrying about my strength. Or else you won¡¯t become the best system!"


    This threat successfully shut up 505. It became professional in an instant and another screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Welcome, contender, to the first level of Battle Royal! Now you will start your journey to officially fight for the 3,000 Thrones and one Supreme seat above them all!


    505 believe you remember the rules:


    Now that you have returned to the Battle Royal, you cannot exit for the first 10 days. You cannot exit if there are enemies within 100 meters of you, if you are in battle, or if you are performing tasks.


    Please do your best to survive the 1st level and cross the Gate to the next level.")


    Skyler nodded with a serious expression. He already knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to return easily once he entered this place.


    "Now I am a contender, not a participant?"


    ("Yes, host. You have cleared the initial test, so you have officially been given the right to fight in the true Battle Royal.")


    "So, are there any other rules I need to be aware of and must follow here?"


    ("No, other than what 505 has already mentioned. There are no other rules. You are free to do anything. Killing monsters and spirits, completing missions, and advancing through the Battle Royal levels will earn you system points as usual. The system shop will always be open to you in this place.")


    Skyler scanned the words on the screen before him. This was quite dangerous. The system was practically telling him that no matter what anyone did in the Battle Royal, they wouldn¡¯t face any consequences. This could also mean a powerful contender can kill him. He needed to stay cautious.


    He finally took in his surroundings.


    He had appeared in the middle of a forest, but this forest was different from the one he had seen in the preliminary test.


    The towering trees here were so thick, so close together that he couldn¡¯t see what lay beyond the trunks before him. Yet, despite the thick foliage, the area was bathed in an unnatural light. A sun, fractured into three distinct parts, blazed brightly overhead.


    He retrieved a standard handgun from his storage ring. It was one he had asked his dad to buy for him, for fun... ahem, ¡¯safety purposes¡¯ before he left for the academy.


    "505, show me my skills and spells. I want to get a good understanding of what I can do."


    _______


    Status:


    Skills/Spells:


    1) Physical Augmentation: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. The host has learned to manipulate the Evol within his elemental crystal to enhance his agility and the power of his physical attacks.


    2) Self-healing: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. The host has manipulated their Evol to heal themselves so many times that it now moves to heal them instinctively when they are injured.


    3) Object manupulation: (Novice-tier)


    This is a self-taught skill. As long as the user¡¯s Evol is in another object¡¯s body, he can move it at will. It can only work on lighter objects currently.


    4) Burning Touch: (Novice-teir)


    A fire element spell, which infuses the user¡¯s hand with fire Evol upon speaking the correct incantation, enabling them to inflict minor fire damage with just a touch. This spell is exclusive to fire elementists.


    5) Water Ball: (Novice-teir)


    A spell used to conjure a small, swirling ball of water in the user¡¯s hand. It can be thrown at a target, dealing minor water damage and leaving them slightly damp. While not particularly powerful, it can be useful for interrupting an opponent or creating a small distraction. This spell is exclusive to water elementists. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    6) Glimmering Spark: (Novice-tier)


    A Light spell that creates a small, but bright, burst of light. It can momentarily blind an opponent or illuminate a small area, but it doesn¡¯t do much damage.


    _______


    Skyler was speechless when he saw the information on the last two spells. They were the ones he had learned in the academy. He couldn¡¯t use the skills and spells related to elements he didn¡¯t have an affinity with.


    "Wow, they are truly useless. Just guide me to the nearest monster. One that¡¯s as strong as I am. I want to try my new weapon."

 Chapter 90 90: First Level of Battle Royal II

    Skyler shed his uniform, replacing it with a new, more comfortable dark top and pants for combat, ensuring his academy uniform wouldn''t be soiled in the upcoming battle.


    Even when he was done, 505 didn''t respond to his request. So, he called out once more.


    "505?"


    A screen flashed before him.


    ("Host, I have bad news! I have tried repeatedly, but I can''t track the beasts in your vicinity anymore! I believe my access has been restricted in this level. QAQ. Now, I can only provide you with information and relay messages from the main system.")


    "What?"


    Skyler''s brows furrowed. What a bummer. Maybe the main system of the Battle Royal has caught on to the fact that people like him can exploit the systems.


    "So, you are useless for now..."


    He muttered softly.


    ("QAQ. Host, I thought we were friends?")


    Skyler ignored the wailing system and examined the handgun. It was fully loaded. His father had mentioned that he could use elemental bullets with it. The bullets, made of elemental power, were more destructive than the ones currently in the magazine.


    "I need to learn to craft elemental bullets. I can use Light element, hopefully, it works."


    He rushed into the trees, heading in a random direction. He couldn''t stay in one place and do nothing. He had to find a high point where he could oversee the area and use the map Moore provided to pinpoint his location and locate the treasures.


    "I''m going to treat this place like a game. A contender, you say? Then I will be just that."


    Channeling the light Evol in his elemental crystal to his legs, he increased his speed when he heard the screech of a monster.


    Before long, a clear, crisp sound of a bullet being fired rang out in the air, startling the monsters in the surroundings.


    Skyler hid behind a tree and fired another bullet toward the brown-colored Root Eater, a distance away from him. It resembled a giant, scaly earthworm to him with sharp teeth and a body covered in dirt.


    "505, tell me how strong that thing is. You can sense at least that much, right?"


    Instantly, a screen flashed before him.


    ("Host, it''s just a 5-star beast! You can defeat it, taking advantage of surprise!")


    "Okay. From now on, give me as brief an answer as possible and no extra talking."


    He muttered and fired another bullet.


    The Root Eater cried out, but it was clear that even though Skyler''s aim was perfect, the ordinary metal bullets were doing little to penetrate the creature''s tough exterior.


    He clicked his tongue, a faint, irritated sound, and darted from his hiding spot just as Root Eater fired earth spikes toward him. The sharp projectiles instantly tore through the trunk of the tree that he had been using for cover, shattering it into splinters.


    "Let''s try something new."


    He removed the metal bullets from the handgun and focused his Evol into them. The bullets shimmered with a golden glow as the Evol integrated itself into them, then he loaded them back into the gun. Skyler fired again, a smirk spreading across his face as he saw the increased damage the bullets inflicted on the monster this time.


    "Time to end it."


    Running out of trees, he fired a few more bullets, aiming directly for the Root Eater''s eyes this time. The beast roared in pain, and before it could retaliate, a familiar spear pierced through its head from above.


    Immediately, a thick, dark stream of blood poured from the wound as the Root Eater''s massive body crashed to the ground.


    The system watched the scene, a bit shocked at how easily its host had taken out a 5-star beast. The same host who had to go through a life-or-death battle every time he fought a monster in the preliminary test!


    505 knew Skyler still lacked useful abilities, but its host had undeniably grown stronger. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler dashed away when he heard the sounds of more monsters closing in on his location. They were likely drawn to the noise he had made while using the handgun.


    A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he sprinted through the towering trees.


    He couldn''t believe hunting monsters was this exhilarating and thrilling. Perhaps it was because he knew he could do anything here, that he cast aside all restraint.


    "It''s time to cause chaos!"


    He muttered, and 505 shuddered as it noticed a dark color creeping into his eyes. They turned pitch black, and the next time Skyler raised his hand, he actually crafted a bullet made of light Evol.


    "This was easy."


    Skyler hummed, quickly discarding the bullets in his handgun. He loaded the light bullet he had created and targeted another monster in his sights. With a few swift shots, the creature''s body crashed to the ground.


    Exhaling deeply, he felt the sensation of breakthrough coursing through his body.


    He sensed his elemental crystal growing stronger. His heart rate spiked when the crystal exterior hardened a bit more.


    "Amazing. I am a step closer to becoming a 5-star. I want to know how much my current potential will increase when I reach it."


    He wiped his sweaty hands.


    "505, I am getting my points, right?"


    The system jolted when he spoke. The unfamiliar dark eyes startled it. It had no idea why Skyler''s blue eyes had turned dark. But it was spooked. Still, it answered.


    ("Yes, you are getting the points. 505 wanted to display the notifications of the earned points when you killed the beasts, but remembering your instructions that said I have to remain silent, I didn''t.")


    He nodded with a smile that scared 505 even more, causing it to shudder.


    "Good job. You are learning."


    Skyler glanced to his side and left the area. He killed another beast, then another. The sounds of bullets being fired echoed in the air. Luckily, he didn''t encounter any beasts stronger than 7-star, even after a while.


    Of course, he had to flee whenever he spotted a 7-star monster. After all, with his current strength, he could never fight it.


    By the time he killed his ninth monster, he finally encountered a group of three people.


    They weren''t human. Instead, they were half-human, possessing animal features. It was clear they were from the Beast race.


    Skyler wanted to leave the area because they were fighting a 9-star monster, but his footsteps came to a stop when he caught sight of the large, shiny elemental stone embedded in the massive troll''s head.


    "Oh... how can I leave when there is a precious gem here?"


    505 shouted inwardly. If it had hair, it would have been pulling it out as it told him to leave the area again and again. Even then, it could only watch in horror as Skyler made his way toward the troll and the group of people.


    The familiar sound of bullets being fired echoed through the air, startling not only the troll who was hit in the shoulder but also the group of Beast race people fighting it.


    They went on high alert, their eyes fixed on the human emerging from the trees. One of the men with a sword distanced himself from the troll and pointed his sword at him.


    "Stop right there!"


    Skyler glanced at him, and the man was startled to see a pair of black eyes.


    "I mean no harm. I will help. In return, how about you guys give me the dark elemental stone that is embedded in the troll''s head?"


    The man from the beast race frowned.


    "The elemental stone?"


    He glanced at his team. The elemental stone wasn''t important because none of them had the darkness element. They just wanted to kill the troll for points.


    "Okay, but there are two conditions. First, fight from the other side because we can''t trust you. Second, when the troll is on the verge of death, one of my group will deliver the final blow¡ªbecause we want the points. And just so you know, don''t even think about harming anyone here; it won''t end well for you¡ªwe are stronger than you."


    Skyler nodded. He had no problem with the conditions. His eyes locked onto the green troll, and with a swift, silent movement, he shifted to the other side of the clearing.


    As the group drew the troll''s attention, in a flash, two light bullets shot forth, striking the troll''s eyes with pinpoint accuracy.


    The creature roared in pain, blood spurted from its eyes, and staggered backward.


    Seizing the opportunity, the group of Beast race people lunged at the troll, and one of them delivered the finishing blow.


    The moment they killed the troll, they retreated. Having witnessed the human''s accuracy with the handgun and his swift ability to form light elemental bullets, they were even more wary of him.


    Skyler rushed toward the troll''s lifeless body to extract the glowing elemental stone from its head while they watched. They couldn''t understand his actions. Elemental stones, though valuable, weren''t exactly scarce.


    At the same time, a certain system named 505 was sprawled in an imaginary corner.


    It was too drained after everything that had just transpired to even muster the strength to put some sense into its host''s head.

 Chapter 91 91: First Level of Battle Royal III

    Skyler meticulously cleaned the hand-sized, dark elemental stone, removing all traces of blood before storing it in his storage ring.


    Only when he was finished did he turn his attention to the three Beast race people.


    "Thanks for the elemental stone."


    Hearing him, the man who had pointed his sword at him earlier stepped forward.


    "You are from planet Eldoria?"


    "Yes, from the human continent."


    The man nodded. He glanced at the troll''s lifeless body, then at Skyler. To him and his team, the latter was weak, considering he was only at the final stage of 4-star.


    At first, they had wondered why he had entered the 1st level when he wasn''t even strong, but seeing his proficiency with the handgun and how he could form elemental bullets instantly, they knew they shouldn''t judge him solely based on his strength.


    "Are you a rogue Light?"


    Skyler shook his head in denial. A Rogue Light was someone who wasn''t affiliated with any academy, guild, or organization. They entered crystals or the Battle Royal just to get stronger. He could understand why they thought he was one.


    "I am from Starlight Academy."


    The man nodded. The pair of horns on his head and his brown slit pupils glistened in the light, attracting Skyler''s attention.


    "I know about that academy. Its name is quite famous in Eldoria. We don''t have any prejudice against humans. If you are alone and haven''t yet found your friends, you can join us, as long as you won''t harm us. Your ability with the handgun was helpful."


    Skyler chuckled softly.


    "No, it''s fine. I prefer traveling alone. I have trust issues from past experiences of being abandoned without any notice."


    "Okay, do as you please. My name is Xai. It was nice meeting you, human."


    Skyler gave his name, and the horned man quickly departed with his team. As they left, 505 finally appeared.


    ("Host, have you regained your senses? Or are you still under the influence of the one who plunged into a perilous situation just to acquire an elemental stone?")


    "I never lost my senses. I did what I did on my own. What are you even talking about?"


    505 was left speechless, not sure if it was good or bad that its host was half-crazy.


    ("Host, how about you use the elemental stone you just acquired to form your 2nd elemental crystal? Instead of letting it sit there gathering dust, you should use it.")


    Skyler gasped as if what 505 said was blasphemy. He couldn''t believe the system was telling him to use his presence gem!


    "Are you crazy? I can form my second elemental crystal without it. Why would I use something so precious?"


    505 left to scream in the system chat group to share his suffering with the other systems. Was there really no way to get its host to act and think like a normal host should? Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler sensed more trolls approaching the vicinity, likely drawn by the scent of blood and the noise of battle, and left the area.


    Looking around, he found a hidden cavity within a tree trunk where a 3-star fanged squirrel was sleeping. He killed the beast and settled down in the hidden cavity.


    With a heavy exhale, he glanced at his status for a second and closed his eyes.


    The memory of the pain he felt when he formed his first elemental crystal was still fresh in his mind, making him hesitant, but he knew he had to forge his second.


    ''The process was hard the first time and required supervision, but now that I know what to do, I believe I can do it alone.''


    His heart rate spiked, anticipating the familiar pain. Steeling himself, he felt the tiny particles of Evol swirling around him.


    He sensed many colors of Evol, but the most dominant was golden Evol¡ªthe color of the Light element. Then he sensed the second most dominant color, a dark hue¡ªthe color of the Darkness element.


    ''First step, sense the Evol. Done.''


    He was very careful. Unlike the first time, when he had no choice but to form his first elemental crystal to survive, this time he was in a relatively secure setting. So, he wanted to take his time to get used to the process. After all, who knows just how many crystals he would have to form in the future?


    Controlling the dark Evol around him to move, he willed it to enter his body. To his surprise, he succeeded on his first try. He knew once someone had sensed the Evol, the process of guiding it into one body became easier. But not this easy!


    The dark particles trembled slightly, and everything around him faded into silence.


    Skyler''s entire focus was on the particles as they entered his body. Just like the first time, he didn''t have to create a pathway within his body for the particles to reach his heart; his entire body became a channel for them, and they flowed throughout his body, heading straight for his heart on their own.


    He would have marveled at his unique constitution, but he had no time for such musings. Sweat beaded on his hairline as it was finally time for him to form the crystal.


    He concentrated and gathered the dark particles into a single spot within his heart. Then, he harnessed their power to create a thin layer of shield around them.


    So engrossed in his task, he missed the ominous pitch-black aura emanating from his body. With him at the center, the black aura spread out in all directions, enveloping everything in the surroundings, sending all the monsters who noticed fleeing in fear.


    Skyler''s lips trickled upward when he easily formed the shield around the dark particles. It was very weak, so he added another layer, then another, and at last, another glowing, ant-sized dark crystal floated in his heart.


    It settled opposite the golden crystal.


    "I did it! Haha..."


    He laughed, and 505, who watched the entire process of what had just transpired, jolted in fear. The system couldn''t believe its host was such a scary entity!


    Skyler opened his eyes. The dark color in them had deepened, taking on an obsidian hue. He was startled to find himself cloaked in darkness, with not a speck of light in sight.


    But as he blinked, with a speed that gave 505 another shock of its life, the dark aura that had spilled out of his body retreated, and everything returned to normal.


    He was still seated inside the tree cavity.


    The forest air was calm and quiet.


    "Did I just imagine that?"


    He was bewildered. Yet, if those with keen senses were in the area, they would notice that every particle of dark Evol was sucked dry from the place. The other kinds of Evol were still present, but no dark Evol.


    "505, did I imagine what I just saw...!"


    Skyler halted mid-sentence, a searing pain lancing through his chest. The dark crystal, floating quietly within his heart opposite the golden one, suddenly began to expand, its size growing with alarming speed.


    A strangled cry escaped his lips as he clenched his heart. Agony overwhelmed him, plunging his mind into a fog. The air was filled with the echoes of screams. But no one heard him. The ominous dark aura that had spread earlier had driven away everything alive in the surroundings.


    505 was horrified at the sight. It couldn''t do anything, as it lacked a body and could only flash one system screen after another.


    ("Host! What happened!")


    ("Host! Did something go wrong with the elemental crystal? Stay conscious!")


    ("Don''t die, host!")


    ("Give 505 permission! 505 will buy a healing potion from the system store!")


    Skyler pressed his fingers against the rough bark of the tree, his knuckles white with the effort as he bent over. A coppery taste filled his mouth, and he spat out blood. The gray screens flashing before his eyes were the only things keeping him conscious.


    Just as he felt like he could no longer bear the pain and his dark eyes began to close, the agony suddenly disappeared.


    "Aaaa..."


    He let out a gasp as his head touched the rough, textured surface. His breathing was labored, as if he had run a marathon. It was shocking considering he didn''t feel this tired after running around so much earlier.


    Mustering all his courage, he rasped.


    "Buy it! The potion... I am dying! Ha..."


    505 didn''t need any more instructions. It sprang into action, and in the next second, a vial filled with glowing liquid dropped next to Skyler. He hastily scrambled to grab it.


    Without even noticing just how expensive the healing potion was, Skyler opened the vial and quickly gulped down the liquid.


    Only when the healing potion began to take effect did he feel somewhat relieved. After a few minutes, he finally regained a bit of his composure and stared at the empty air.


    "What the hell just went down?"


    ("Host... you scared 505! I thought you were going to die and I''d have to find a new host!")


    Skyler glared in a random direction, unable to pinpoint 505''s location.


    "Shut up!"

 Chapter 92 92: First Level of Battle Royal IV

    As the system fell silent, Skyler exhaled deeply and pressed his hand to his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heart.


    It was calm, too calm to be exact, almost as if the agony he had experienced earlier was just a fragment of his imagination. A minute ticked by, then another. His hand trembled, and his eyes widened.


    "Something''s wrong..."


    His words were followed by 505 startled words as the system, despite being told to shut up, flashed a screen before him.


    ("Host!! Check your Status!! Hurry!")


    505 excitement was palpable, radiating in the air even without explicitly naming it.


    Skyler was dazed, his mind reeling.


    He had a hunch what was going on. How could he not, when it was his damn body? Yet, his brain refused to comprehend the sheer absurdity of the change in his body.


    Swallowing, he let out a faint whisper.


    "Status."


    The familiar gray screen lit up before him, showing him his status. His eyes, now back to the familiar crystal-like blue hue, couldn''t believe what they were seeing.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 4-star (Final stage)


    2) Darkness: 5-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: 0-star (Final stage) S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    4) Lightning: (Locked)


    5) ???


    Overall Strength:


    5-star Novice (Final stage)


    Potential: 10-star Adept


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (6)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Opened)


    - System points: 910


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 1st level of Battle Royal (In Use)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Not available)


    _______


    Skyler rubbed his eyes a bit, but the sight before him remained unchanged. His mind was racing, trying to make sense of it all.


    He already knew his potential was locked because of his Constitution.


    He also knew that because of the same Constitution, he could unlock affinity with more elements over time. A power unique to him, perhaps in all of Eldoria.


    But who could explain to him how the hell his Darkness element, the one he had just formed an elemental crystal for, had gone straight to the peak of 5-star? It had grown even stronger than his Light element!


    "Is this also because of my Constitution?"


    Skyler muttered softly to himself, his hand caressing his heart where he could feel the small dark crystal floating quietly. He asked the system, but it remained silent.


    505 had already scoured the database but found no relevant information or records related to what had just transpired.


    A smirk spread across Skyler''s face.


    "I guess the pain was somewhat worth it. Not that I want to go through that again."


    He shuddered even recalling the pain.


    "I would prefer a less painful way to get stronger. So, if what just happened is going to happen every time I form an elemental crystal, I need to be prepared."


    505 agreed with him solemnly. It would be bad if its host died so early in their journey. The system failed to notice when Skyler''s eyes narrowed in contemplation.


    He wasn''t an idiot to think that his sudden increase in strength was entirely due to his Constitution. There was something else at play. Something within him.


    He closed his eyes, recalling the massive mirrors he had seen in his subconscious.


    One mirror reflected a future of him where he possessed white eyes, while other reflected a future where he possessed dark eyes.


    "Did the other me wake up too? The one I haven''t found any information about yet?"


    505 felt confused. It wanted to ask who had woken up, but missed the right time.


    Skyler opened his eyes, pushing away the thoughts. He shouldn''t waste time thinking and instead should focus on the present.


    ''I will find out everything eventually.''


    Glancing at his status one final time, he was about to disperse it when his gaze landed on the number of points he had.


    "505? What happened to my points??"


    If he could grab the gray screen, he would have shaken it a few times with all his might.


    "910 points?? How is it possible? Last I remember I had 1910 points!"


    505 wanted to vanish but came clean.


    ("Um... Host, I bought you an Adapt tier healing potion a while back. It cost 1,000 points, but your life was more important, right? You can always earn more points!")


    Skyler clenched his heart again. This time, he experienced a different kind of pain.


    It was the pain of the harsh realization that 50% of his hard-earned points, the ones he had sweated and bled for, were gone!


    ("Host, are you okay?")


    Skyler shot a glare in a random direction, successfully silencing the system. It could sense it had angered its host again, but it had no idea what it had done this time.


    With a tired groan, Skyler dragged himself out of the tree cavity. His muscles felt stiff, likely due to the sudden strength boost he had received out of nowhere. He stretched a bit and then dusted his clothes.


    "Let''s try out the new element."


    Holding out his hand, he channeled the Evol within his darkness element crystal to form an elemental bullet. He lacked any spells or skills for the darkness element, so this was the only way to test his power.


    His eyes sparkled when he noticed how a dark-colored bullet formed above his palm. He could tell that it was way stronger than the bullets he formed with his light element.


    "I need to test the new bullet, hehe!"


    With a swift movement, he took out his handgun and rushed in a random direction.


    For some reason, the atmosphere was very quiet in his vicinity. It took him more than ten minutes just to locate a monster.


    The familiar sound of bullets being fired rang out in the air as he effortlessly killed a 5-star Root Eater. A satisfied smile lit up his face.


    "Incredible! I can now take down a 5-star monster with just a few bullets."


    His dark elemental crystal was far more potent than the light one, not just because it was stronger in terms of star rating, but also because it could inflict a lot more damage.


    Skyler decided to utilize his dark Evol for the Physical Augmentation skill to enhance the power of his physical attacks. The light Evol was better for increasing speed, so he would use it to boost his agility.


    Loading the handgun, he hummed. It was time to earn back the points lost due to that ridiculously expensive healing potion! If he had known its price beforehand, he would have sipped it bit by bit to make the most of it instead of gulping it down all at once!


    "505, I know that you can''t guide me towards the monsters anymore. Any way we can lure them toward me? Seems like we''re stuck in a dead zone, and I am wasting all my stamina just trying to find them."


    505 thought for a second. Skyler already knew that the monsters were attracted to noise and the smell of blood, especially the blood of their kind. But these methods only attracted a small number of monsters. Also, they were in a relatively safe area with few beasts. So, he was probably asking for a better method to lure more monsters.


    ("Host, I know a way. There is a monster attractant in the system shop. You can buy it and pour the liquid out. Its scent will attract a lot of monsters within a short time.")


    Skyler raised a brow, then frowned.


    "Tell me the price first."


    ("Host, it only costs 100 system points because no one buys it normally.")


    505 wanted to add that no one was crazy enough, like its host, to buy such a thing, but decided it was best not to add those words.


    "The price is reasonable. Buy one."


    Skyler held out his hand, and a bottle of murky dark liquid dropped into it. He didn''t immediately open it. Instead, he found a good hiding place above a tree nearby.


    Only when he was certain no one could locate him did he open the bottle and pour a small amount of the liquid below. Within a minute, a few trolls arrived in the area.


    He held his breath when 505 told him that one of them was a 9-star. Fantastic, he had failed to consider that the attractant''s scent would also draw the stronger beasts!


    Skyler wanted to bang his head against a wall for missing such an important detail, but now that he had already poured the liquid, there was no point in dwelling on it.


    ''I can do it! For more points! And more points means I can buy more gems! This is for the sake of something truly important!''


    Taking out the familiar gray spear from his storage ring with a solemn expression, he used the Object Manipulation skill on it.


    The spear flew in the opposite direction to distract the green trolls, who were drunk on the scent of the liquid he had poured. In an instant, the trolls rushed toward the sound.


    Skyler moved and aimed the end of his handgun at the strongest troll, the 9-star one. He knew he was too weak to defeat it, but for some reason, after getting a boost of strength, his confidence had skyrocketed.


    He fired multiple bullets at the same time. The tall troll who was attacked cried out, but when it suddenly snapped its head back and looked exactly at Skyler''s location, both 505 and Skyler knew they had fucked up.

 Chapter 93 93: First Level of Battle Royal V

    ("Host!! Run!!")


    505 panicked as the 9-star troll lunged toward their location. But when it looked back at the spot where Skyler was hiding, it found that its host had already fled.


    ("....")


    Skyler winced as his hand scraped against a rough stone when he jumped down from the tree. His ash-brown hair shimmered as he sprinted away without looking back.


    Behind him, the troll roared, a sound that shook the very earth beneath its feet. Its eyes, burning with a furious red light, fixed on the ant that had dared to wound it. With a bellow of rage, it surged forward after the ant, its massive form a blur of green and brown, the other trolls close behind.


    Skyler''s eyes widened as he saw the numerous, massive monsters with hulking bodies of muscle and bone, gaping maws filled with razor-sharp teeth, huge clawed hands, and feet rushing towards him.


    "That''s not what I signed up for!" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He cried out as he swiftly channeled his Light Evol toward his legs. The monsters behind him increased in numbers as those sleeping in the vicinity joined the fray after being disturbed by the noise, their guttural roars echoing through the air.


    Skyler panted, his heart hammering in his chest. His legs screamed in protest as he dodged one attack after another, thanks to 505, who was panicking but still directing him left and right to keep him alive.


    While running, he retaliated a few times with his handgun, but it was clear that the number of monsters following him wasn''t decreasing, but instead increasing, even after he managed to take down a few.


    Skyler gasped as a fire attack narrowly missed his sparkling ash-brown hair.


    "505! Aren''t we the bestest friends? Do something! I wanted to kill beasts for points, but I didn''t ask for this many!"


    The system couldn''t believe that its host only considered them friends when he was in danger. Was this what people called fake friendship? It wanted to sulk, but saving its host''s life was more important now.


    ("Move to the left! Try to stay alive! I am trying my best to find a way out!")


    "Will you hurry up then?! Just find a safe hidden area in the vicinity!"


    Suddenly, he noticed a group of innocent bystanders standing in his path, cleaning their bloodied blades near multiple dead bodies of several monsters. He shouted.


    "Move!"


    The group of humans, clad in armor over their attire, jolted. Their first action was to quickly reach for their weapons. However, when they sensed the numerous monsters behind the ash-brown haired man running towards them, their faces paled. One of them cursed and broke into a run. The others followed suit.


    As they ran, the tallest man among them, clearly the leader of the group, shouted.


    "What in the hell is going on here?"


    The man running beside him sputtered.


    "Run first, boss! Everyone, scatter!"


    Skyler was too slow to reach them, let alone slip past the group. Sweat dripped down his chin, soaking his entire body.


    He was about to veer left, but a flash of something shiny caught his attention. A beautiful metallic golden flower, securely tied to the armor of one of the women. His pace quickened instinctively, leaving 505, who was sure he was about to collapse, shocked as he reached her side.


    "Hello, miss. Your golden brooch is beautiful. How about you sell it to me? Would 1,000 star coins work?"


    The short-haired woman was horrified. Before she could react, an arrow whizzed toward Skyler, who leaped to dodge it.


    The leader of the group roared.


    "Stay away from my wife, you maniac!"


    Skyler blinked. What had he even done? He was just asking to buy a brooch! Not asking for her number! Moreover, he already had someone he liked! The red-eyed beauty!


    He scoffed, veering to the left.


    "Whatever... I''m sure the brooch isn''t even made of real gold. Just a counterfeit!"


    Half the monsters followed the group, but the other half continued to pursue Skyler as he raced through the dense trees, gasping for breath. His lungs burned as he pushed himself to his limits, pressing onward.


    ("Host, go straight! There''s a water body ahead! I see a mountain behind it!")


    Skyler looked ahead and spotted the clear water body 505 had informed him about in the distance, nestled amongst the trees.


    He saw a group of people standing by the water''s edge, their skin shimmering with an unnatural sheen. He didn''t look at them twice, his focus entirely on the water.


    With a single, fluid motion, he pinched his nose and launched himself into the water. A resounding plop echoed in the air, sending a shower of droplets in all directions as his figure disappeared beneath the surface.


    The group of individuals nearby were stunned by his sudden plunge. But before they could react, their hair stood on end as multiple monsters burst from the trees.


    One of them let out a startled gasp.


    "Oh My Gosh...!"


    They had only stopped here to bathe and stay in the water for a while because their skin was getting dry from being under the sunlight for too long. As sea people, they couldn''t stay on land for long. But never in their wildest dreams did they think that suddenly a human would find this place, bringing a horde of monsters with him!


    Clutching their weapons, some of them threw powerful spells upon the monsters. But it was clear they couldn''t possibly fight so many at once. Seizing an opportunity, they fled in the opposite direction.


    The monsters roared angrily. Their eyes blazed with fury as they followed suit.


    Just as silence returned to the space, a head abruptly emerged from the water.


    Skyler coughed. Holding his breath for so long underwater had been a struggle. His eyes watered as he looked around.


    "Did they leave?"


    ("Yes, host. You survived!")


    His eyebrow twitched. Speechless, he exhaled sharply and shook his head.


    The water droplets clinging to his hair scattered due to the action.


    A sharp pain shot through his leg as something bit him underwater. He hissed and scrambled out of the water. There, on his calf, was a small fish with sharp teeth, its jaws clamped down on his flesh.


    He hurriedly shook the creature off, collapsing to the ground with a groan.


    "Nothing is safe here!"


    ("This is the Battle Royal, after all!")


    "Yeah, yeah..."


    Skyler stared at the empty space. He was still in the middle of a forest, with towering trees all around him. But the bright space had visibly darkened. The fractured sun in the sky was setting on the horizon.


    A soft sigh escaped his lips.


    "At least we found a mountain from all this. Now, I can go up and check the map."


    With effort, Skyler pushed his body to sit down. His muscles ached, his legs were in bad shape. His elemental crystals were dry.


    "The day is going to end soon."


    He massaged his legs to elevate the pain.


    "I can''t believe I experienced so much in such a short time. It''s almost unbelievable knowing just about two months ago, I was an ordinary person with no power."


    ("That''s the power of the Battle Royal!")


    "Battle Royal this, Battle Royal that. Go make yourself busy somewhere. You have been pretty useless today."


    505: "..." Weren''t we bestest friends?


    The system wanted to protest but held back its grievance. But it was writing everything down. One day, when it became the best system, it would take revenge for sure!


    Skyler rubbed his chin.


    "Anyway, tell me how many points did we earn? I believe there will be a lot. After all, I practically put my life on the line."


    ("Host, you have 1980 points currently.")


    "That''s it??"


    He clicked his tongue. Still, at least he had regained the points he had lost after buying that healing potion. With a grunt, he hauled himself to his feet. After a few stretches, he could move, albeit very slowly. As soon as he had some Evol in his Light crystal, his body began to heal automatically.


    Skyler felt his body had strengthened.


    It seemed running around all day had not been entirely useless, especially since he had consumed a lot of Evol in the process, which his body replenished repeatedly.


    "Show me my status."


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 5-star (First stage)


    2) Darkness: 5-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: 0-star (Final stage)


    4) Lightning: (Locked)


    5) ???


    Overall Strength:


    5-star Novice (Final stage)


    Potential: 10-star Adept


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (6)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Opened)


    - System points: 1980


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 1st level of Battle Royal (In Use)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Not available)


    _______


    "My Light element has also reached 5-star. It''s good. 505, can you find a concealed place nearby? I want to rest for a while."


    The system was silent for a while. It was actually not allowed to do this. But it could scan the immediate vicinity, right? It had done this before, to help its host.


    ("There is a weird cave up ahead. 505 is not sure if it''s safe, but you can check it out.")


    Skyler nodded and followed the system''s directions. But who would have thought he would finally see a familiar face? Before the entrance of the cave stood Zack, his dear classmate who had abandoned him once.

 Chapter 94 94: The Cave I

    "What a coincidence..."


    Skyler mused with a scoff, hiding himself and watching the familiar silver-eyed man. He couldn''t believe Zack would be the first person he would meet in this place.


    ("Host, isn''t that the person who left you after asking you to join his team...! I can tell he has grown stronger from his aura!")


    He tsked at 505''s words.


    "Indeed, it''s him. The person who asked me to join his team as a healer. But if Zack had discovered the cave first, he probably wants to rest there too. So, I can''t stay here."


    That''s what Skyler thought. He would have turned and left to find another place to rest.


    But he halted as he saw something before Zack. Skyler''s eyes glowed a dark hue.


    "505, what''s that? A status screen?"


    ("What??")


    The system was perplexed. It followed its host''s gaze, but couldn''t see anything.


    ("Host, are you sure you aren''t imagining things? What status screen? In no way, a contender of Battle Royal can see another contender''s system notifications or status screen. Not even 505 can do it. It''s a rule to give them the utmost privacy. No one, not even the higher beings, can pry into one''s status screen or linked systems here.")


    Skyler read what 505 told him. His eyes narrowed, the dark hue deepening into a stormy abyss as he fixed his gaze on the gray screen before Zack.


    "No, no, no! I''m not imagining this! I''m seeing it, clear as day! That gray screen before him! Wait, it''s not a status screen. Not a notification as well... It''s shorter, more like a message prompt!"


    505 panicked, hearing him. A chilling premonition dawned at its core. A message prompt? There is only one kind of message prompt that exists in the Battle Royal! The messages from the higher beings!


    505 blurted out in panic.


    ("Host, how could you see it?!")


    "I have no idea. Also, I can''t see the words on the screen because Zack is in front of it. Wait... You know what that is?"


    Skyler caught 505''s previous words and his focus shifted to them. The system did not have a physical form, but if it did, it would have been sweating buckets of water.


    ("I don''t know what you are saying. Haha")


    A look of regret washed over Skyler''s face, but his eyes still twinkled with mischief. He had to uncover the truth about the screen in front of Zack. If even his system was acting weirdly, then the screen was something he wasn''t supposed to see. At least, not yet.


    He pressed a hand to his chest, a sigh escaping his lips as he gazed into the air, his expression clouded with melancholy.


    "It pains me, 505, that you are keeping something from me when you can tell me. I thought we would be companions, that we would rise together, you becoming the best system, me reaching the top. I suppose this is where you draw the line. I shouldn''t have expected anything less from the system of the Battle Royal. Are we even friends...?"


    505 gasped, taken aback by his words. It couldn''t believe it had saddened its host!


    ("505 is sorry host! We are friends, of course! I will tell you everything!")


    And just like that, a once innocent system, naive to the world, already teetering on the edge of corruption, was pushed further by a wave of emotional manipulation.


    Skyler hid the lower half of his face with his hand, a grin playing on his lips. One look at that smile, and people would be scared.


    ''Damn, it worked again, hehe!''


    He quickly masked his smile.


    "Then tell me. What you know."


    505, eager to lift the mood of its forlorn host, divulged everything it knew about the message prompt. Skyler listened with rapt attention, soaking in every detail.


    "I see... So, Zack has the blessing of a higher being who is helping him? A sponsor, of sorts, who can talk to him and gives him points. Thus, if he becomes useful one day, they can benefit by making him their heir or servant, depending on his worth."


    ("Yes, host!")


    Skyler rubbed his chin with a smirk.


    "Interesting. I was about to leave, but I''ve changed my mind. I need to know what this higher being is talking to Zack about."


    He glanced out from the trees toward the dark-haired man standing in the distance.


    "Moreover, he''s been pacing outside the cave entrance for a while now, but he''s not going in. Something''s surely off about his behavior. Did his sponsor tell him there''s a hidden treasure in there or something? I can''t leave without figuring this out."


    505 disagreed with him on this matter.


    ("No, host. No matter how strong a higher being is, they cannot know the location of the treasures scattered in the Battle Royal. They might know if they use their strength, but higher beings don''t like to waste their power on the lower levels of Battle Royal.")


    Skyler''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "Who knows, maybe Zack found a rich higher being as a sponsor who is willing to spend even their power to help him..."


    Regardless, his interest was piqued. No matter what, he was going to follow Zack. He just had to make sure the latter wouldn''t sense him. With that in mind, he slowly tiptoed closer to Zack''s location.


    The dark hue in his eyes faded as the screen in front of Zack disappeared.


    505 wanted to refute Skyler''s words, wondering which higher being would be foolish enough to waste so much power on the first level, but decided to just go along for now. It had already been overwhelmed by too much information in a day. That''s why it just wanted to rest for a while.


    ("Be careful, host. That person is powerful. Also, if you really can see that he is talking with a higher being, then if that higher being sensed you, it wouldn''t be good.")


    Skyler hid behind a tree trunk when Zack whipped his head in his direction suddenly. His heart raced as he clenched his jaw.


    "I know. We will just follow him from a distance for a while. Tsk, I wanted to rest, but I guess I will do that after I am done."


    Simultaneously, in the distance, standing before the cave, Zack''s eyes narrowed.


    "Is someone there?"


    He whispered, his voice sharp.


    Extending his senses, he searched for any sign of a living presence, but sensed no one. Not even the presence of a monster.


    A frown creased his brows.


    "Did I imagine it?"


    Zack turned away, a scowl etched on his face. Today had been a complete disaster.


    First, two random side characters¡ªone a minor villain and one a paragraph cannon fodder¡ªwho were supposed to die outside the main story, had entered the academy.


    Second, they had drawn too much attention to themselves in the academy. Third, he had arrived at this place too early, leaving him plenty of time to stew in his frustration.


    "Where is that good-for-nothing? Why isn''t he here yet? I''m sure he would have already noticed that his master Moore gave him a more detailed map than the others. So he could find the best treasures here."


    A message flickered before him.


    #Keeper of Time: Relax. Everything is unfolding as intended. A few minor deviations won''t derail the narrative.


    Zack glared at the screen.


    "Just tell me why is the protagonist of this story such an idiot? There is a reason I did not like him when I read the novel. He is too emotional and always sides with his friends, even when they are in the wrong. If he hadn''t sacrificed himself in the end, I wouldn''t have given him a second thought."


    He rubbed his temples. He was already frustrated, and the waiting only amplified it. With a deep breath, he tried to calm himself.


    There was too much he needed to do.


    Keeper of Time was right. He shouldn''t be too worried about some minor characters. The story was still the same. A few small changes wouldn''t change anything.


    When Zack finally opened his eyes, they were very calm, devoid of any emotion.


    "Let''s wait patiently. He will be here soon. He likely went to locate and gather his friends first, using the tracking device he has." sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He quickly settled down near the cave entrance, deciding to meditate until the protagonist and his team arrived. The Evol within his body was a bit chaotic. After all, he had grown too strong in a short time after arriving in this world.


    Zack could have gone into the cave alone. But he didn''t possess the protagonist''s luck and plot armor, so even if he discovered the treasure chamber he was looking for in the cave, he wouldn''t be able to open the door.


    So, it was best to let Max and his team go into the cave first, dismantle the traps, open the entrance, and get the treasures they were supposed to, like in the story.


    "Then, from the remaining treasures, I will take the item I am here for. As for the rest, it''s a pity, but I can''t touch them."

 Chapter 95 95: The Cave II

    Skyler sat behind a tree trunk, his eyes narrowed in contemplation as he watched Zack. His clothes were slightly damp from his recent dip in the water, but they were drying thanks to the wind. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I can tell he is talking... but I can''t hear what he is saying from this distance."


    He sighed. If only 505 could spy on Zack''s conversation with the higher being, it would have been so much easier. The evening sky darkened above him as he sat there.


    An hour stretched into two, and then three, the silence broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant roars of monsters.


    Just when he was about to leave, thinking Zack was wasting his time just sitting there doing nothing, the man suddenly jumped to his feet and rushed toward his location.


    ''Did I get caught!?''


    Skyler gripped his handgun, prepared to fight or make a run for it. However, to his surprise, Zack didn''t appear to notice him. Instead, the man paused a short distance away, and like him, concealed himself among the trees to observe the cave.


    ''Huh?''


    Confusion washed over him as he shifted back away from Zack''s location, careful not to be seen or sensed. What happened next only deepened his bewilderment.


    Max, Austin, Jenny, and Elena emerged from the trees, their figures commanding attention and radiating undeniable charm, even against the backdrop of the night sky.


    The four were clad in the familiar purple uniform, pristine and unblemished, a stark contrast to Skyler''s disheveled appearance. He looked as though he had just escaped a harrowing ordeal, and in truth, he had. He had barely managed to get rid of the horde of monsters that was hot on his heels.


    Skyler quietly observed Zack watching the group of four as they discussed something in front of the cave before deciding to enter.


    ''What''s going on?''


    Now things were getting even weirder.


    Why the heck did Zack look like he already knew they would come here?


    Skyler couldn''t see Zack''s face due to the dark space, but he knew, for some reason, that the latter was smiling.


    "Damn... I feel like I am getting into something I should stay away from."


    He whispered, and 505 agreed nervously.


    ("Host... then how about we leave? We shouldn''t get involved with what the higher being and that man are planning.")


    Skyler''s lips curled into a smirk.


    "No. Where''s the fun then?"


    He watched as Max and his teammates vanished into the cave at the base of the mountain. Then, Zack leaped out of his hiding spot and followed after them.


    Skyler emerged from behind the towering trees, his gaze fixed on the cave entrance.


    He had noticed that orbs of light element were floating in front of Max and his team, illuminating their path. Zack, however, didn''t use such things and, despite the darkness, simply entered the cave after them.


    "Should I use my phone flashlight?"


    He muttered, and 505 was speechless.


    ("Host, you have a spell called ''Glimmering Spark''. It could be helpful. Why don''t you try tweaking the spell and form a spark of light instead of a burst that floats before you?")


    505 was about to follow up with the words that tweaking the spell wasn''t easy and that Skyler should buy an illumination spell from the system shop, but Skyler''s eyes lit up.


    "You are right. I will try that."


    He quickly channeled the Evol in his light elemental crystal, and a faint burst of light erupted from his fingertips. The spell faded the first time because he couldn''t maintain the flow of Evol constantly. But he got the hang of it the next time, and a few sparks of golden light danced around him.


    "Done. Let''s go."


    505 was dumfounded at what it had just witnessed and could only watch as its host strolled into the cave. When on earth did tweaking the spell become so easy??


    Skyler paid no attention to the stunned system and hurried deep into the cave. The ground beneath his feet was a bit damp, but at least he could see the interior thanks to the sparks of light floating around him.


    From the outside, the cave looked very small, but now that he was walking inside, he couldn''t believe how enormous it was.


    The ceiling was covered in sharp, jagged rocks that hung precariously, threatening to plunge down at any second. The walls were filled with strange markings and symbols, seeming to writhe and shift as if alive.


    "505, what is this place? This doesn''t look normal from any direction, and you wanted me to rest here? Wow, just wow."


    Skyler''s whisper echoed in the cavernous space, and he clamped his mouth shut.


    ("Host! 505 doesn''t know either! I just scanned the area and saw a cave in the mountain base. So, I guided you here thinking it was just a normal place.")


    After walking for a minute, Skyler finally stopped, facing a series of passageways lined up within the dark cave.


    "505, can you scan the place? Which passageway is right?"


    The system hesitated. This was a blatant violation of the rules. Due to Skyler, 505 had already broken so many. If the main system found out, it knew it was finished.


    But recalling how upset its host had been when it rejected his request a while ago, it decided to take these secrets to its grave and nervously scanned the surroundings, but the results were disappointing.


    ("Host, the cave is too dark. I''m unable to scan anything beyond your vicinity. Now we won''t be able to follow that man who went after the group. Should we go back?")


    Skyler scoffed at the system. Why does it feel like the system was scared? Only if he knew that 505 had a very bad premonition about what this place actually was. But it just wasn''t sure if its deduction was right.


    "No. I only asked you to scan this place to see if you could find the right passageway, since my luck is bad. Now that you can''t, we follow their footprints. The land is damp so I can see the footprints quite clearly."


    505 watched as Skyler followed the footprints into one of the passageways. The system was in a full-blown panic. It shrieked internally.


    Should it tell its host its deduction? Or not? It had heard whispers of such a place from other systems in the system chat group.


    So, the thought that they were potentially heading straight toward a funkin'' dragon''s lair was making it go crazy with panic!


    Unaware of 505''s turmoil, Skyler noted how many traps were dismantled in the passage he had entered. His lips twitched upward. It seems his path was safe thanks to those who entered the cave ahead of him.


    A sense of satisfaction filled him as he hummed a happy tune, quickening his pace. At least Zack and Max were useful in some way. A while later, he stopped, a flicker of light in the distance drawing his attention.


    Skyler hurriedly extinguished the sparks of light floating around him and quietly tiptoed closer to the source. As he reached the end of the passageway that opened into a large chamber, the first thing he saw was Zack''s familiar figure hiding behind one of the large rocks scattered in the chamber.


    ''Oho... found you!''


    Next, his eyes landed on the massive golden gate, filled with a dazzling array of intricate symbols and glowing gems, each pulsating softly, opposite the passageway. Max and his team were trying to open that gate, its sheer size and intricate details dwarfing everything else in the chamber.


    Skyler froze in his tracks. Immediately, everything around him faded as his gaze zeroed in on the gleaming gate.


    505 was horrified to see the gate. Its deduction was correct! As the system turned its gaze toward its host, it was even more horrified to see the familiar crazy look in his blue eyes! It blared warning alarms for Skyler to retreat at this instant! Yet, who was it kidding? How could its host, who had again and again shown he would put his life on the line for gems, leave when in front of him was a gate embedded with gems! 505 was sure he was probably thinking how to dig out each and every one of them!


    What the system didn''t know was that Skyler''s brain was racing to find a way to take the entire gate, not just the gems.


    How could he leave such a dazzling gate behind, especially after he had already set his eyes on it? He wanted to go ahead and do what his mind was telling him, but the thought that there might be more gems behind that gate rooted him in place.


    Skyler completely ignored 505, who was telling him to retreat. His gaze was fixed on Max, Jenny, Austin, and Elena. One of his fingers tapped impatiently against the wall.


    ''Why can''t they hurry up? It''s just a simple puzzle they need to solve to open the gate! Why the heck are they so slow?!''

 Chapter 96 96: The Cave III

    Max frowned and looked back.


    His fingers, attempting to solve a puzzle in the golden gate involving the arrangement of numerous glowing patterns, halted.


    "Guys, can one of you check if anyone''s in the passageway we came through? I have a feeling someone''s watching us."


    Austin glanced at him.


    "You sure?"


    Max nodded, and Austin charged towards the passageway, his brown eyes narrowed, the familiar javelin gripped in his hand.


    Zack held his breath, trying to mask his presence as his footsteps drew closer.


    He couldn''t help but curse Max''s intuition. Well, he was the damn protagonist. One shouldn''t accept anything less from him.


    Only if he knew it wasn''t his presence that the protagonist sensed. It was the intense gaze drilling into his head that he felt.


    Max had become accustomed to people staring at him after joining the academy, so he was sensitive and could tell if someone was looking at him with malicious intent.


    Austin paused at the entrance of the passageway, peering inside. The floating orbs of lights around him drifted into the passage, illuminating the area.


    "There''s no one."


    He muttered and went back. Jenny and Elena were helping Max, but because they had to solve the puzzle quickly before the patterns returned to their original places, they were struggling to find a solution.


    Zack let out a sigh of relief. A familiar message screen flashed before him.


    #Keeper of Time: That was a close call. However, why don''t you just join Max and his team? I doubt he would stop you if you said you found this place by accident.


    Zack rolled his eyes. If only it were that simple. The previous owner of his body had a history of animosity with the protagonist. He still remembered the way Max scowled when he noticed him in class.


    If he showed up in front of Max, the guy would definitely make him run for his life. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler, who had attached himself to a wall inside the passage like a lizard when Austin came to investigate, silently crept towards the light again. His annoyed and impatient gaze found its way to Max''s head again.


    ''This team doesn''t have a brain. How can they take so long to just solve a puzzle?''


    The panicked system was still flashing multiple screens in front of him, urging him to run away. But he had long since learned to ignore 505 when he wanted to.


    Skyler would have continued to stare at Max, but his gaze was drawn to the screen floating before Zack. With Zack now hiding behind a rock, facing him, he could see the message screen very clearly.


    ''Oh...''


    He hurriedly bent down to his knees and squinted his eyes, which had turned dark. His gaze flickered with a hint of confusion as he read the message word for word.


    ''That was a close call. However, why don''t you just join Max and his team? I doubt he would stop you if you said you found this place by accident...? Huh?''


    Skyler stroked his chin thoughtfully.


    ''The higher being is right. Why is Zack hiding? He could simply join Max.''


    He chuckled to himself.


    ''Like I''m any better. I have been secretly following everyone too. But did Max and Zack have a bad history between them?''


    His gaze sparkled with mischief as he read the messages the higher being was sending Zack, hoping to uncover some dirt on him.


    ''Keeper of Time, huh? A cool name. Zack has found a good sponsor, it seems.''


    But what he found blew his mind.


    Zack waved his hand in annoyance, dismissing the message. Yet, another message flickered to life before him.


    #Keeper of Time: You didn''t tell me why you were so annoyed when you came here. Did something happen in the outside world?


    "It''s none of your business."


    He muttered faintly.


    #Keeper of Time: It''s hard for me to communicate with you outside this place since it costs a lot more power unlike here. I am not the Goodness of Compassion who has unlimited energy. Can''t you just tell me everything? You know I''m here to help you.


    Zack scoffed, his gaze dripping with sarcasm and a mock indifference. He didn''t voice his thoughts aloud this time. Instead, he laughed internally at the higher being.


    ''Help me? No, it''s more like he is here to watch me so I don''t mess up and do my job in this world properly as a transmigrator.''


    He glanced at Max and his team, still struggling to open the golden gate. A low ''tsk'' escaped his lips. He was annoyed, so what better way to ease it than to share?


    "It''s because of some side characters..."


    #Keeper of Time: Which ones? You have messed with the fates of many. But the top of the list are Oreon, Mila, and that Sky guy. The first two were supposed to die, but you saved them. The last one was supposed to not enter the preliminary test, but you made him. You even said you would save his life two years from now. So, which ones?


    Zack''s eyebrow twitched. Why was this bastard being so chatty after being absent all this time? Before Zack could respond, another screen flashed before him.


    #Keeper of Time: Wait, let me make a guess. Is one of them that Charles guy? You wanted to save that villain from the tragic end since he was your favorite.


    They would have continued if not for the sound of something metallic creaking open. Zack whipped his head back and saw that Max and his team had opened the gate.


    "Finally..."


    He muttered softly, ignoring the Keeper of Time as he watched the protagonist and his team enter the partially opened golden gate.


    With a swift movement, Zack retrieved a hoodie from his storage ring and pulled it on over his clothes, concealing his face.


    The hoodie would allow him to escape the scene unnoticed if anything went wrong.


    Skyler watched his fading figure, his mind racing. He was too shocked and stunned by what he had found to follow him instantly.


    "505...?"


    He called out with a dry voice. The system, which had been ignored for so long, refused to speak to him or acknowledge him. But he still continued to finish his words.


    "Do the higher beings have the power to interfere with the future? No, can they see the fate of another and change it?"


    505 gasped. Its imaginary pair of eyes widened in disbelief and utter shock.


    ("What on earth are you saying, host? No, why did you even think such a thing!")


    Skyler licked his lips.


    "I just found out who made me eligible for the preliminary test when I wasn''t eligible. It''s the Keeper of Time. Wow, just wow."


    He chuckled with a dark smile.


    "Can things get any more chaotic than this? What were they even discussing? Charles is a villain? Were they suggesting he''s a Dark Light? That''s absurd. There''s no way he''s one of those who tried to kidnap us."


    Skyler felt a pang of gratitude that the Keeper of Time had changed his fate. He could stay with his parents now. This didn''t mean he wouldn''t get even. Higher being or not, he needs to pay for messing with him.


    But suddenly, his eyes flared white, and a thought pierced the depths of his mind: who gave the Keeper the right to do this? Who gave him the right to alter his fate?


    He blinked, and the white hue in his eyes receded, replaced by the familiar blue.


    "There are still so many things that don''t make sense. I can''t grasp everything the higher being talked about. It''s like there are missing pieces to the whole picture, and I''m just staring at the scattered fragments."


    He stared in a random direction.


    "Just answer me, 505. I want to know if the higher beings can know the future?"


    The system was silent for a moment as it nervously searched the entire database.


    ("That... They can, yes. They are at the top of the power chain. 505 is sure they could. But they usually don''t bother interfering with the future, even if they know it. It costs them too much even if they are higher beings.")


    Skyler smiled in response.


    "Thanks for the honest answer."


    505 felt a bit happy. But it was still trying to process the information its host had shared. It was too much for the scaredy-cat system. So, it briefly forgot about the issue of the dragon lair. Skyler muttered to himself.


    "The higher beings will not directly interfere with the future if it risks a great cost to them, but they can certainly use others to alter it."


    He stood up and finally followed behind the people who had entered the golden gate.


    "Well, I will know everything with time. The reason why Zack changed my fate. Why the Keeper of Time said Charles is a villain. And why Charles would be Zack''s favorite?"


    He would have continued to mull over it, but his thoughts came to a halt when he entered the massive gate. His blue eyes glazed over as they reflected the glow of the mountains of silver, gold, and gems before him.


    "I believe this is all mine, right?"


    505: ???

 Chapter 97 97: The Cave IV

    Max and his teammates moved silently through the massive, glowing chamber. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and a musky, almost metallic tang that clung to their nostrils like a persistent memory. The ceiling above them glistened with a sheen of moisture, studded with sharp, jagged shards of rock and clinging moss.


    Towering piles of gold, silver coins, shimmering gems, crystals, and artifacts lay scattered across the floor, alongside various kinds of weapons. Their surfaces, though dulled by time and neglect, still pulsed with a bright light, reflecting an ethereal glow that suffused the space.


    Elena let out a shuddering breath. Though she came from a rich family, nothing could have prepared her for something like this.


    "What a sight..."


    She whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Jenny felt the same. Austin reached out to touch a particularly dazzling ruby, but Max''s hand clamped down on his arm. He hissed, his voice low and urgent.


    "You can take anything, but be discreet. Can''t you see what''s in front of you?"


    Jenny, Elena, and Austin''s gazes finally darted ahead, and their breaths hitched.


    Before them, at the end of the chamber, a colossal gray marble platform carved with intricate, serpentine patterns stood. Atop it, a massive blue dragon with scales that glistened like sapphires was sleeping.


    Its long, elegant horns and sharp fangs glimmered faintly, catching the light of the crimson jewels placed around its body. The air pulsed with Evol around the dragon, a silent warning to not disturb its sleep.


    Austin cursed under his breath, feeling the pressure radiating from the dragon even as he simply stared at its massive form.


    "If that thing woke up, we''re finished."


    Max nodded, his expression solemn.


    "Yeah. So, let''s not be greedy. Take only what you need from this place, guys. That way, even if the Dragon wakes up, it won''t notice if only a few items are missing."


    The Goodness of Compassion had already warned him about this particular dragon. It was the most powerful creature in the first level, even among its fellow dragons.


    His friends were unaware, but the map Moore had given him was more detailed than the other students'' and had warned him against coming to this place.


    But the Goodness informed him that a powerful weapon, perfectly suited for him, lay hidden within this place. This was the reason he had to come here. So, he could only tell his friends that he had somehow found this place held the most treasures.


    Jenny and Elna exchanged a glance, a silent agreement passing between them.


    The group decided to meet back at the same spot in ten minutes, then dispersed, their movements deliberate and quiet.


    Each of their steps was careful to avoid disturbing the massive slumbering dragon as the four moved through the chamber.


    As they scattered, a pair of silver eyes peeked out from behind a pile of silver.


    Zack glanced at the sleeping dragon.


    "It''s huge and... definitely dangerous."


    A screen flashed before him.


    #Keeper of Time: You''re here for the Mythic Shards, aren''t you? They will make clearing the second and third levels of Battle Royal a breeze. This dragon was the last hurdle of the tenth level, but I heard its greed got the better of it. It killed contenders to get their treasures, so it was banished to this level.


    Zack walked out of his hiding place and began looking around.


    "I know. I read about that in the story. It was mentioned when, a year later, the last female member of Max''s team arrived at this place. She was a year younger than Max, but that crazy witch who killed Charles in the book was incredibly lucky throughout the story. I guess the story needed her to progress as quickly as possible to join Max''s team."


    Another screen flickered before him.


    #Keeper of Time: You forget she was also the reason Max beat the original owner of your body in front of many. Haha. Anyway, why do you hate her so much?


    Zack kept his body hidden, avoiding the gaze of Max and his team as he scoffed.


    "She was the most hypocritical and evil person in the story, that''s why. It doesn''t matter if she redeemed herself in the end due to Max. She killed a lot of innocent people, and that''s unforgivable to me."


    He dismissed the message screen with a wave of his hand, ignoring the higher being. Striding towards the sleeping blue dragon, his silver gaze scanned the area. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am sure the Mythic Shards were around here somewhere. She found them here. I''ll only take two of them and leave the rest."


    A minute later, his eyes finally landed on a glowing bundle of triangular purple shards perched atop a pile of golden bricks.


    ''Found it!''


    As he rushed toward the Shards, his foot collided with a golden vase, which shook and rolled down. Everyone in the chamber froze as the loud clinking noise echoed.


    Max and his teammates held their breath, and Zack, who was in front of the dragon, sweated profusely as the blue creature emitted an annoyed huff in its sleep.


    Zack sighed in relief, wiping his sweaty forehead as everything settled back into a calm stillness. He hid behind a pile of gold when Max returned to the location.


    Max looked around with narrowed eyes. He couldn''t spread his senses in the chamber, considering the presence of his Evol could potentially wake up the Dragon. His eyes noticed Austin''s approaching figure.


    "What was that?"


    Austin shook his head, his brown eyes scanning the gleaming sword, embedded with many colored gems, in Max''s hand.


    "I don''t know. Maybe the girls made that noise? Let''s hurry up and leave."


    Max nodded in agreement. Their gazes drifted towards the sleeping dragon, and they let out a collective exhale of relief.


    Soon, Jenny and Elena returned, their eyes filled with satisfaction. It was evident they had taken numerous useful treasures.


    Elena hummed as they made their way toward the gate they had entered through.


    "It''s a shame we can''t take more from this lair. Still, what we took is plenty. I''m sure no one else in this level could even dream of acquiring a tenth of what we''ve acquired."


    Austin agreed with her, a wide grin spreading across his face as he softly caressed the new javelin he had found.


    "Indeed. This trip was rewarding."


    They were still very cautious, but as they reached the end of the chamber, Austin suddenly pointed to the left side.


    "Guys, don''t you think a mountain of gems and gold is missing from this place?"


    The others followed his gaze. A frown creased Max''s brows.


    "Are you sure? To me, everything looks normal. There was so much around, I don''t remember everything we saw in detail."


    Jenny and Elena, too, didn''t remember everything. Austin scratched his chin.


    "Did I make a mistake? I am sure on the left side there was one more pile of gems and gold coins. Well, if you all say so."


    The group strode toward the golden gate and left the way they had come from.


    Behind them, Zack, who had gotten his hands on the Mythic shards, also rushed toward the golden gate with hasty steps.


    He glanced back one final time.


    After all, he wouldn''t be able to witness anything quite like it again anytime soon.


    With that, Zack left the chamber as well. Fortunately, while opening the gate from the outside required solving a puzzle, opening it from the inside was simple.


    All of them failed to notice the familiar ash-brown haired figure lying amidst a pile of gems, breathing heavily. Skyler didn''t even make an effort to hide himself.


    "This is heaven. I want to stay here forever."


    ("Host?! Are you crazy?! Please leave this place this instant! You''ve already filled your two storage rings with gold and gems!")


    505 tugged at its imaginary hair, its circuits sputtering in the face of the sleeping dragon. It would have shut down, overwhelmed, if not for sheer willpower holding it together.


    Skyler''s gaze was fixed on the surrounding treasures, his mind a blank slate. His only awareness was the wild noise of his heart.


    "I will only leave when we have taken EVERYTHING here! So, tell me how I can take everything. Find a way, my dear, 505. I know you can find a way. I believe in you."


    He crossed his arms over his chest, his expression a mask of determination. 505 deadpanned and made a desperate last-ditch effort to reason with him.


    ("Host, don''t you want to go back home? What about your family, friends, loved ones? They''re waiting for you in the outside world! You can''t stay in this place forever. If the dragon wakes up, we''re finished. QAQ")


    Skyler''s eyes widened as a semblance of clarity returned to his muddled head.


    "Right! Riruru is waiting for me! Mom and Dad too. I can''t stay here. I promised Riruru that I would bring her lots of gems!"

 Chapter 98 98: The Cave V

    Skyler shot to his feet, his mind racing.


    He couldn''t just lie there, his predicament wouldn''t solve itself. He had to figure out a way to take everything from this chamber.


    He had to act, but what could he do?


    He had only two storage rings: one a gift from his father, the other from Professor Moore. Both were already full.


    He had multiple sets of clothes, shoes, food, and other essential belongings inside the storage rings. But even if he discarded them, he couldn''t possibly fit everything from this chamber within them.


    How could he take it all with him?


    Skyler''s eyes crinkled as he surveyed the chamber. A good idea formed in his head. Right, he was in a treasure trove! Wouldn''t this place have space element treasures as well? What about some old storage rings?


    The only problem was that if he started looking for them, it would take days.


    A sly smile spread across Skyler''s lips, and 505 shuddered as he glanced in a random direction, seemingly looking directly at it, with a harmless, innocent expression.


    "505. Scan this chamber."


    ("What??")


    Skyler''s smile widened, and a very bad premonition dawned on the system.


    "You can scan everything visible to you from my point of view. That''s what I have understood so far. I can''t use my Evol here, or it would disturb the dragon. I can''t waste any more time either. That means you have to do the job. Scan this chamber and find me something that can store things."


    ("The main system will erase me if it ever caught wind of it?!! Host, do you not care about your dear 505 existence?? QAQ.")


    Skyler tilted his head.


    "And who will tell the main system about this? You or me? We are the only ones here, right? So, 505, if you want your 1889th host to leave this chamber alive and breathing, you will have to break a few rules."


    The system was in a state of panic. It had already crossed the line multiple times.


    It was true that many systems aided their hosts from time to time. After all, systems could develop an affection for their hosts if they spent a significant time together. 505 had heard stories about it in the chat group. But these interventions were usually minor, such as alerting them to nearby threats.


    The main system usually didn''t care about these small mistakes, because they weren''t a big deal. But that didn''t mean the systems could just break the rules! If what 505 had done ever came to light, it was done for!


    Skyler noticed the system''s hesitation. It seemed there was still a long way to go before he made 505 fully compliant.


    "Don''t you want to be the best system?"


    With these words, he sealed the deal.


    How could the system not want to be the best? It had already come so far! So, what was the harm in breaking another rule?


    Trembling, 505 scanned the chamber.


    A few seconds later, it wiped away its imaginary sweat, steadied its core, and gave its host the answer he wanted.


    ("On your left, you''ll find a pile of storage rings amongst the weapons. I can detect a mythic tier storage ring there. It should be large enough to store everything here.")


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled. He was not aware that storage rings were also ranked in tiers.


    "Good job! I knew I could count on you! Believe me, you will definitely become the best system in Battle Royal one day."


    It was as if spring was in his steps as he rushed toward the direction 505 pointed.


    He ignored the sleeping dragon.


    It was only the system that would get panic attacks whenever he made a noise as he ran around, tumbling a few times.


    After a few hours of grueling work, Skyler stood in the same chamber, directly facing the platform where the dragon slept. His fingers were laden with storage rings.


    Yet, the once glowing chamber was now bare, devoid of even a single gold coin.


    "Hehe..."


    A silent, evil laugh escaped his lips as he caressed the storage rings on his fingers. 505''s core trembled hearing the laugh.


    ("Host... plz, plz let''s leave now. QAQ.")


    Skyler shook his head, sending a shiver of dread down 505''s spine. His blue eyes fixed on the sleeping dragon, or more specifically, the red jewels placed around its body.


    "There''s still a few big jewels left in this place. I''m sure Riruru will like those."


    ("Host!! You absolutely can''t!! Those jewels are what keeping the dragon asleep! They have potent, warm elemental power!")


    505''s composure cracked. It couldn''t even say anything more, and Skyler was already above the massive marble platform.


    The system finally shut down due to the stress of witnessing its host storing all the jewels on the platform in his storage ring.


    That freaking jerk didn''t even leave behind the one underneath the dragon''s paw.


    Skyler gulped nervously as the dragon let out an irritated huff when it lost the solid jewel beneath its paw. Its brows furrowed.


    Now that there was nothing shiny around Skyler, his senses were finally returning. So, did he regret what he did? No, he didn''t. Not even in the least. That was the difference between him and a sane, normal person.


    He tiptoed back, his gaze never leaving the massive creature. The dragon snarled in its sleep and shifted its paw, likely looking for the warm jewel, as he left the platform.


    The instant Skyler was down the platform, he broke into a run, heading straight for the gate. The chamber, once ablaze with light, was now empty, its former brilliance gone.


    He reached the golden gate and slipped through, but as he turned to close it, his gaze met the enormous azure slit pupils that had finally snapped open.


    ''Shit!''


    Skyler slammed the gate shut, the heavy metal groaning in protest. Without looking back, he sprinted toward the passageway he came from, his voice echoing through the cavernous space as he bellowed.


    "505!!!"


    Unfortunately, the system had shut down momentarily, overwhelmed by what it had gone through in a single day.


    A deafening, primal roar erupted behind Skyler, a sound that seemed to tear through everything. The air vibrated from the sound, weakening the walls of the passageway he was in, raining down a cascade of debris.


    He shuddered. His legs nearly gave out from the sheer force of the sound.


    Just then, his light Evol surged out of his elemental crystal as he channeled it with every fiber of his being, pouring it into his legs, propelling him forward with a speed that defied his normal limits.


    "Damn it! Damn it! Damn it!" S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A string of curses flowed from his lips as he sensed everything behind him crumbling, a massive presence rushing towards him.


    The instant he burst from the passage, his eyes met a familiar pair of silver eyes that had emerged from the passage next to his.


    "Oh, hey...!"


    Skyler wanted to say more. Like, why are you still here? But he didn''t have time. He flashed his signature smile at Zack, who stood rooted in his place, and left.


    A piercing, horrified shout erupted behind him, echoing like a siren through the air.


    "What the hell did you do?? You bastard!"


    Skyler''s ears buzzed. He didn''t need to look back to know who was screaming at him. It was Zack, who had started running behind him. His entire focus was on the cave exit.


    "Who told you to stay here, huh? Not my fault if you get swallowed by the dragon¡ª"


    His words were cut short as the dragon let out another deafening roar. This time it was followed by a torrent of flames that surged through the whole cave with the speed of lightning, turning the air into a furnace.


    "Not fire please!"


    Skyler instinctively wanted to cover his body with golden Evol. But his dark Evol erupted, a swirling vortex of dark shadows that enveloped his running figure. The fire cracked the darkness clinging to his body, but it didn''t shatter it completely. Behind him, Zack let out another curse. Then, the sound of someone falling echoed, a heavy thud that reverberated through the air.


    He shouldn''t have laughed, given his own dire situation. However, the absurdity of the situation, the sheer ridiculousness of it all, had him doubled over in mirth.


    "Pfff, I guess he tripped."


    Skyler knew Zack wouldn''t die. There was a reason why the higher being named Keeper of Time was sticking around him. A reason why the higher being interfered with his and Charles'' fate just because Zack asked. So, how could such a person die so easily?


    He was correct, because the next second, Zack''s furious voice echoed behind him.


    "Stop right there!! Return what you stole!!"


    Skyler rushed out of the cave entrance, an amused sneer playing on his lips. So, they could take anything they wanted from the dragon chamber, and he had to return the ''very few things'' he took? Was that fair?


    "In your dreams!"

 Chapter 99 99: The Cave VI

    The familiar, towering, dense trees blurred past as Skyler sprinted away from the cave at the mountain base, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He ran without direction, his heart pounding in his chest.


    Behind him, a tremor shook the mountain, sending rocks tumbling down its slopes.


    Zack burst from the cave, gasping as the earth trembled beneath his feet. His eyes widened when a surge of power propelled him forward, obliterating the cave entrance in a blinding flash of energy. From the dust and debris, a familiar blue dragon emerged, its immense wings blotting out the sky.


    The dragon let out a roar that sent chills down the spines of all those in the vicinity.


    At that instant, the first ray of sunlight from the fractured sun pierced the darkness. The light illuminated the dragon''s scales as it soared upward, its eyes burning with fury.


    Skyler clenched his jaw as a wave of heavy pressure erupted from the dragon, radiating outward and engulfing the surroundings.


    Despite the weight, he pressed forward. He could sense the dragon''s gaze was on him.


    "505 just had to vanish at such a bad time! It could have at least given me directions!"


    He cursed under his breath. Zack''s voice echoed behind him, a constant reminder of his predicament. As he moved through the trees, his eyes fell upon several figures clad in the familiar purple uniform in his path.


    They seemed to have just finished killing a group of powerful, massive trolls and were now looking at the sky in alert. He leaped over a gnarled root and charged forward.


    "Get the hell out of my way!!"


    His sudden yell startled the group, who wore solemn expressions as they listened to the dragon''s roars. A familiar pair of light blue eyes widened at the sight of him.


    "Sky...?"


    Hearing Jenny, Max, Austin, and Elana turn to face Skyler''s incoming figure, confusion flickered across their faces as they moved out of his path. Skyler saluted them with a grin, and they watched him disappear.


    Skyler didn''t look back. Not sure why the group was still lingering around this place.


    Elena was the first to catch on. A chilling realization washed over her as she pointed to the spot where Skyler had vanished.


    "Guys, the storage rings on his fingers...! He''s the one who woke up the dragon!"


    Her cry pierced the air. Max and his team''s faces lost color as the ground beneath their feet shuddered. A yell echoed behind them as a colossal shadow loomed over them.


    "Run!!"


    Zack''s figure burst from the trees as he rushed toward the way Skyler vanished.


    Max and the others followed behind. The dragon was zooming toward their location.


    Austin yelped as he clenched his javelin.


    "How the heck did this happen?!"


    A torrent of fiery red flames erupted behind their figures, setting the forest ablaze.


    Soon, the air was filled with screams as the contenders in the surroundings, caught in the dragon''s path, scattered in a frantic bid to escape the inferno it unleashed.


    A message flashed in front of Zack.


    #Keeper of Time: I found it! He stole the crimson jewels that were on the platform! The ones keeping the dragon asleep. There were countless treasures in that chamber, Skyler could have taken as much as he wanted, but why those jewels?


    Zack cursed and dispersed the screen.


    How the hell was he supposed to know?


    He also had no idea why that crazy bastard climbed the platform and took the crimson jewels when there were so many treasures!


    If only they both knew that the said ''crazy bastard'' had not just taken the jewels but had swept the entire chamber clean, they would have choked on their own blood.


    Max received a similar message from the Goddess of Compassion. He clenched his jaw as he searched for Skyler. They had to return the dragon''s jewels! Only then would the creature fall asleep! After all, there was no way they could defeat such a powerful creature with their current strength.


    Due to the sudden chaos, the systems present in the vicinity panicked, and the main system was alerted. It was on the 70th level when a warning alarm blared. It lazily looked to see what the issue was but was startled as it saw the blue dragon awake. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The dragon was banished from the tenth level to the first. There was a reason it, and the many powerful beasts on the first level, were always asleep and never attacked the contenders on their own. Even if disturbed, they only killed those who disrupted them.


    The main system hastily checked what had actually happened and was left speechless when it saw the dragon''s chamber empty.


    Amidst the chaos and raging red flames, a special mission was urgently issued to the contenders in the dragon''s vicinity. A similar screen flashed in front of many people.


    (Dear Contenders,


    A sudden emergency has triggered a special mission for you!


    Information: The sleeping blue dragon''s Bloodstone Evol Jewels have been stolen by someone. Find the jewels and throw them toward the dragon to calm it down.


    Reward: 1,000 points.


    Penalty of failure: The Dragon''s Wrath.)


    Max and Zack, like many others, saw the notification. The mission wasn''t issued by their systems but by the main system.


    Skyler also received the notification.


    His eyes lit up, thinking 505 was back. But he grumbled when he realized the message was different from 505''s usual messages.


    ''Where are you, my dear 505? I miss you already! Who is going to find me a place to hide if not you? Come back!''


    His lungs burned, every single breath a struggle as he gasped for air. At this rate, Skyler was sure his Evol would be depleted in no time! His legs were already trembling, threatening to give way beneath him. If only 505 was here, it could have helped him.


    ''I need to treat the system better! I can''t believe its presence was such a help!''


    He flinched when Zack shouted at him.


    "Skyler, we are going to die because of you! Give back the dragon''s jewels, you bastard!"


    His voice was loud and desperate, as he dodged a massive claw by a hair''s breadth that was attempting to tear his body apart.


    "Shit!"


    Zack rolled over, dirt filling his mouth and coating his hoodie and sweatpants. He had even lost one of his sneakers. And to think he was the transmigrator¡ªsummoned from another universe to change the story!


    His earlier words were enough to tell every contender running in the vicinity just which jerk had the Bloodstone Jewels. Many eyes instantly fixed on Skyler, who cursed.


    A familiar gray screen, visible only to Zack, flashed in front of his eyes, mocking him.


    #Keeper of Time: I told you not to change what has already happened once too much, but you didn''t listen. Just don''t die; I have invested a lot in you.


    A flood of curses surged through Zack''s mind as he read the message. This jerk!


    When the hell did he even say this??


    Zack was the one who didn''t want the story to change! The Keeper of Time always told him to do whatever he needed to change it!


    "Shut up!"


    He snapped. Like every Light running to survive around him, he glared at the youth with ash-brown hair sprinting far ahead.


    They were on the brink of death under the dragon''s wrath, all because of that bastard who had wiped its treasury clean!


    If looks could kill someone, Skyler would have died a thousand times already!


    "Damn it! How on earth is he so fast?! Where is Skyler getting so much stamina from? We are clearly stronger than him!"


    Another handsome figure opposite Zack shouted at the youth with ash-brown hair.


    "For heaven''s sake! Stop, Skyler!"


    It was Max. He exuded a saintly aura, just like those who want to save the world, as he rescued another from the dragon''s fiery breath, sustaining injuries in the process.


    He grabbed his injured arm and started running with the person he just saved.


    His eyes flashed with relief when Skyler glanced back, but the latter''s next words nearly made him want to spit out blood.


    "No way. I found the jewels, so they are mine. Why should I give them back?"


    Hearing this, Zack felt like shedding tears of blood. He wanted to shout at Max: ''You are the damn protagonist of this story! You can''t even catch a weak Light elementist! Who the hell made you the protagonist!''


    But he could only swallow his grievance. After all, it was 99.99% his fault that the protagonist was no longer the protagonist and his place had been snatched!


    Who the hell said that side characters destined to die in the story would be good companions if you changed their fate?


    Right, he was that idiot who said it!


    Suddenly, the massive blue dragon, hot on everyone''s trail, let out another furious roar, sending chills down everyone''s spine.


    Its long, elegant horns and sharp fangs glimmered as it swung its lengthy tail to obliterate the towering coniferous trees and structures surrounding it, searching for the rat who had stolen its treasures.


    But unfortunately, it was destined to be disappointed until the end because the rat had already escaped, leaving behind the people who were cursing the said ''rat''.


    Hiding inside a small structure made of multiple rocks stacked upon one another in the distance amidst the trees, Skyler peeked out with a pair of innocent blue eyes, gently caressing the many rings on his fingers.


    "What a bountiful day it is."

 Chapter 100 100: Hes a Bad Omen!

    Zack gritted his teeth, unleashing his most powerful lightning spell on the dragon that seemed hell-bent on killing only him. Yet, the spell barely scratched the creature.


    "Damn it!!"


    He rolled in another direction to avoid the dragon''s flames, unaware that Max and his team were shocked to see him unleash such a powerful spell out of nowhere.


    When did Zack become so powerful? This question swirled inside their heads, but the four had no time to find an answer.


    The dragon''s eyes narrowed, burning with malevolent intent. In a heartbeat, a wave of powerful Evol washed over the individuals in its surroundings. It was like a physical blow, a hammer striking everyone.


    Horror washed over the crowd in a wave, their hearts pounding as many dropped to their knees, unable to even lift a hand.


    Only those who were 10-star or above barely managed to stay standing, their bodies trembling against the weight.


    Zack spat out blood, his eyes darting frantically between Max and the others.


    "Where did that bastard vanish?"


    He rasped, his voice strained. Everyone understood he was referring to Skyler, but they were just as clueless as him.


    Jenny''s gaze swept across the distance, her face etched with disbelief and anger. Skyler had put all of them in danger!


    "There are some rocky structures in that way. I think he had hidden inside them!"


    Zack leaped back, narrowly dodging another flame strike. He wiped the warm blood from his lips, his expression grim.


    "Two of you go and hunt him down! Even together, we can''t defeat the dragon!"


    He growled, his voice filled with urgency. However, he cursed when no one moved.


    Austin, Jenny, and Elana exchanged glances with Max. They would never heed the words of someone who lusted after a girl a year younger than him and had even been beaten up by Max not long ago.


    Max''s expression hardened.


    But now wasn''t the time to hesitate.


    He glanced at his teammates.


    "Austin, you stay back and help the injured in the area with your healing power. Jenny and Elena, you two go look for Skyler!"


    The two girls nodded. Austin clicked his tongue in irritation. Then, they scattered silently to do as they were asked.


    The dragon''s slit pupils narrowed at the ants that were still moving around. In an instant, spears of flames formed above its body before crashing down on the trees.


    The air crackled. And panic-stricken cries rose from the crowd as they desperately shielded themselves from the flames.


    Zack shoved himself back and took out a wooden plaque engraved with ''Crystalline Ward'' from one of his storage rings.


    This small plaque was the reason why he was still in the cave when Skyler showed up¡ªhe had gone looking for artifacts found in the future from the other passageways.


    His heart clenched as he gazed at the plaque, his anger toward Skyler reaching a fever pitch. He actually wanted to preserve this artifact, to use its power in the future! S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I swear, I will make that crazy bastard pay dearly once I escape this place alive!"


    With a heavy heart, he flung the plaque toward the protagonist, who caught it with ease, almost instinctively. Max looked back at Zack in confusion, and he gritted out.


    "Use it! It will stop the dragon for a while by enveloping it in a cocoon. I am too injured to get close to the dragon and activate it."


    Max stared at the wooden plaque in his hand, astonished. He hadn''t expected Zack to possess such a powerful artifact. As far as he remembered, Zack was just a spoiled rich brat, with all talk and no action, who was abandoned by even his own family.


    ''Where did he find it?''


    A message flashed in front of him.


    #Goddess of Compassion: This plaque is one of the hidden pieces in the Battle Royal. It can even hold a 25-star beast for a while. Just pour your Evol into it to activate it and break it on the dragon''s body. This will buy you and everyone else time to escape.


    Max reacted with lightning speed. The dragon, caught off guard by the audacious ant charging towards it, lashed out with its front claws. But the ant vanished into thin air right before its eyes, leaving it stunned. A roar of fury erupted from its throat as it flapped its wings, creating wind currents.


    However, the dragon froze mid-air, its slit pupils widening in disbelief. The small ant had reappeared, hovering directly above its head, and with a swift, decisive movement, shattered the plaque against its horn.


    Max hissed as he dropped down, his brow furrowed with pain. A sharp, searing agony shot through his abdomen and shoulders.


    "I still can''t fully control the space element. Even casting a single spell harms my body."


    The dragon let out a roar that shook the very foundations of the earth, but before it could even unleash a tail swipe that would send Max flying, a blinding light engulfed its frame. It shuddered and tried to break free, but the light only intensified, weaving itself into a shimmering, crystalline cocoon that imprisoned the dragon''s monstrous form.


    A hush fell over the individuals in the area as they watched in stunned silence as the dragon thrashed against the cocoon.


    However, the cocoon held firm, its glowing surface reflecting the shocked faces of the many onlookers. Soon, the dragon''s furious struggle ceased, leaving behind only a white crystalline cocoon suspended in mid-air.


    Max released the breath he''d been holding, a collective sigh of relief echoing through the crowd as everyone, finally free from the heavy pressure, lurched back to their feet.


    Many people fled in different directions. They hadn''t forgotten the special mission, and a thousand points was a lot. Yet, those points were meaningless if they cost them their lives. Moreover, no one knew how long the cocoon would hold back the dragon, so it was better to be safe than sorry.


    In the end, only three people, Max, Zack, and Austin, were left in front of the cocoon.


    Zack struggled to stand straight on his feet, throwing the only sneaker on his left foot to the side to put on a new pair of shoes.


    He dusted his burned and torn hoodie and wiped the dirt off his face rather calmly. But inwardly he was fuming. Max flinched when those calm silver eyes turned to him.


    "Which way did Jenny and Elena go? I lost track of Skyler with everything happening."


    Mac frowned. Not sure how Zack changed so much from what he remembered. Even his aura had completely changed.


    "You..."


    Before he could ask anything, Austin grabbed his javelin with a dark face.


    "To the left. I am going to teach that little punk a lesson. He''s two years younger than us, but ever since he showed up, he''s been making our lives hard¡ªlike a bad omen!"

 Chapter 101 101: My jewels...?

    Far away, Skyler held his breath when he spotted Jenny and Elena searching for him.


    He wasn''t even surprised anymore to catch Jenny''s angry expression. It told him that if necessary, his sister would beat him to get the jewels and the treasures he had taken.


    Skyler shrugged. A bit surprised, he wasn''t bothered by her anymore. Well, he had long since stopped expecting anything from her.


    Jenny had made it very clear to him, time and again, that he was nothing more than a burden and an embarrassment¡ªa younger brother who could easily be cast aside.


    He abandoned his hiding place, seeking a new one just as Elena fired a bullet toward his location. Skyler sneered, his voice icy.


    "Even if people are only siblings in name, they wouldn''t let someone fire their rifle at the location where their brother might be hiding. What a good older sister you are."


    His eyes narrowed as he observed the two women through the small gaps in the rocky structure where he was hiding.


    "I swear I will surpass you and your team, sister. Let''s see if you all still act like you''re the main characters in some grand story."


    Skyler let out a tsk and left in the opposite direction. His footsteps were very silent as he rushed toward the mountain base.


    The jagged rock formations where he had hidden were nestled close to the mountain that held the dragon''s cave. They were just quite a distance from the cave''s entrance. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He ducked his head as he emerged from the rocks, seeking cover behind a thick tree, as he overheard a group of people claiming that they had seen the man who had stolen the Dragon''s jewels. His lips twitched when he heard one of them saying that the thief was a short man with an ugly face.


    Skyler secretly glared at the group.


    "From what angle did my running figure look... ugly? Is their eyesight weak? And who are these clowns calling short?"


    He clenched his fists, frustrated.


    "What I don''t get is that Zack, Max, and his whole crew also took the dragon''s treasure! Why am I the only one being hunted? And that ridiculous special mission."


    He lost it when he heard someone calling him a dwarf with a goblin-like nose. Skyler rolled up his sleeves, grabbed his handgun, ready to bring justice to his handsome face. But luckily, before he did something idiotic again, which he had a tendency to do, a familiar screen flashed in front of him.


    ("Host...? 505 glitched for a while. QAQ. But due to that, the main system didn''t find out that I broke the rules! I was so scared!")


    Skyler''s eyes flickered with relief and joy when he saw the system screen. He stored his handgun away, forgetting he was about to fight some people just to prove he wasn''t ugly. Naturally, he would conveniently leave out the fact about his height.


    "You''re back, my dear 505! I was worried you got caught by the main system."


    ("You were worried about 505? Worried? If you were so worried, why did you put 505 through so much stress? I nearly met my end due to the emotional overload!")


    Skyler rubbed his nose, feeling guilty. Still, he wondered how the systems in the Battle Royal were designed. In Eldoria, the AI had advanced quite a lot, but not so much that it could simulate human-like emotions.


    He shifted the topic swiftly.


    "505, take a look at my sorry state! My elemental crystals are nearly depleted, my muscles are screaming from running like a madman, and my stomach is growling. And worse, so many are on my tail to snatch my jewels! Shouldn''t we prioritize keeping me alive first? We can always argue later!"


    ("My jewels...?")


    "Of course!"


    505: "...."


    ("Host, your clothes are torn and dirty.")


    Skyler nodded thoughtfully.


    "Right, I forgot to add that point."


    505: "...."


    The system sighed melancholically. It seemed it had to get used to this, or else it would malfunction before the main system even found out it had broken many rules.


    ("So, what should we do, host?")


    505 tossed its grievance out the window when it heard its host''s next words.


    "Let''s leave this level. This place has nothing to offer anymore, and due to Max and Zack, a dragon is wreaking havoc here. I am weak, so I shouldn''t stick around this perilous place. I have a map; we just need to find the Gate leading to the next level."


    Skyler clicked his tongue. Shamelessly dumping everything on Max and Zack.


    505 wasn''t even surprised anymore.


    Skyler looked around, grabbing a hoodie from his storage ring and pulling it on over his clothes to hide his face and hair.


    "First, you help me get to the mountain''s peak undetected so I can use the map."


    505 immediately sprang into action. The system regained its lost enthusiasm. After all, Skyler climbing to the next level meant it would also be getting stronger! There was no time to be lazy or dwell on the past.


    The system had already discovered that it could only scan the surroundings within its host''s field of vision, but that was sufficient to alert Skyler about any monster or human in his path or approaching him, allowing him to avoid everyone and everything.


    That''s how, one system and one human, escaped the vicinity of the crime scene.


    Skyler''s legs nearly gave out as he began climbing the mountain, dotted with familiar scattered trees in all directions that clung precariously to the rocky slopes.


    The exhaustion from everything he had endured finally caught up to him. Yet, he knew he couldn''t collapse just yet. He doubled over, holding his stomach.


    "Damn it, I swear I''m logging off and going back the moment I enter the next level. The rule that we can''t leave for ten days once we enter will be void once I clear a level."


    He jolted when a faint, familiar roar of a dragon echoed from far away behind him. It seemed the cocoon holding it had shattered. A curse escaped his lips, but his eyes shone with newfound determination. There was no way he would give up even a single coin, let alone the jewels! So he had to escape!


    Steeling his heart, he held out his hand.


    "505, but a novice-tier healing and stamina potion for me. I need to go back as soon as possible. Riruru must be missing me!"

 Chapter 102 102: Shhh. Keep it a secret!

    "Ahhh, where the hell did he go?"


    Zack punched a tree standing near him, sending leaves raining down on him. His eyes blazed with frustration.


    "I can''t believe a mere side character is giving me so much trouble. Just track his damn location. Can''t you at least do that? What kind of higher being are you?"


    A screen flashed in front of him.


    #Keeper of Time: It''s not easy. The Battle Royal is a high ground not even the heaven can interfere with. Previously, when I helped you track people, it cost me a lot. Now the main system is watching this place. Give me some time, I am trying to locate him.


    Zack rubbed his temples. Two whole days had passed, and he was at his wit''s end.


    He still had no clue where Skyler was.


    His shoulder was wrapped in a bandage, a wound that remained stubbornly unhealed, although he had drunk a healing potion. He had sustained this injury when the cocoon holding the dragon captive broke, and that wretched beast, who remembered his and Max''s scent, tracked them down to kill.


    Zack had managed to flee the scene using another artifact and survived, but he didn''t know what happened to Max and Austin.


    "Fuck this shit. Searching for Skyler is a waste of my time. Max will handle him. He cannot hide forever with the protagonist on his trail. So much has already gone awry."


    He straightened his clothes. He needs to stay calm and use this to his advantage.


    "The only thing I can do now is make sure the new variable in the story doesn''t cause a ripple effect and alter the future. Or else, I won''t be able to fulfill the job you gave me."


    #Keeper of Time: Cannot fulfill your job...? You have just one job in this world: prevent Max from repeating what he did in the first timeline. Beyond that, the possibilities are limitless. If you refuse to do it or fail, you will be of no use to me. Just remember, if I can bring you here in this world, I can just as easily make you disappear.


    Zack stared at the message until it faded on its own this time. A cold glint flickered in his silver eyes. The Keeper of Time always spoke to him so casually that he almost forgot the dire circumstances he was in.


    "Like I care about that. I''ve died once, so believe me, dying again is no big deal." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words were casual, but his clenched fists betrayed his true feelings. Perhaps it was human nature. Now that he was alive again, despite the original Zack''s miserable existence, he found himself clinging to life.


    The thought of dying again filled him with dread. He couldn''t bear the idea that once again, no one would cry at his death.


    He had begun to appreciate the simple act of breathing, even though the original Zack, just like him, had been alone all his life.


    He wanted to live. A little bit more. Just a bit. Maybe if he continued to exist, he too would find a flicker of genuine happiness.


    Zack chuckled at his thoughts. What was he thinking? When did his head become so messed up? He needed to stop thinking at once. Living was just exhausting.


    The Keeper of Time was taken aback to hear his next words. No, he was stunned.


    "You know my real name, right? Do me a favor. Remind me of it if I start to forget my reality. Or else I might really lose myself."


    Zack smiled, humming. Yet, he knew that the seed of doing something to escape the clutches of the higher being, to survive, was already forming in his heart.


    "I guess a change of plan would be good to handle this mess. Like adding a new task to my to-do list in this world: Crushing those who get on my nerves before dying."


    #Keeper of Time: Who....? Skyler?


    Zack''s smile vanished. It was a blessing that no one could hear his thoughts. The fact that the higher beings watching from above were too arrogant to even imagine a mortal standing as their equal one day, let alone posing a threat, was also a help.


    "Definitely..."


    He paused for a second, thinking.


    ''...not. It''s you...''


    Then he spoke aloud his next words.


    "...Who else?"


    With that, Zack left the area in a hurry. He had a lot to do in the first level. Moreover, having lost two powerful artifacts due to the dragon, he needed to find more.


    "My work just keeps increasing, tsk."


    What he and the Keeper of Time failed to notice were a pair of pitch-black eyes, like obsidian pits, watching him. An unfamiliar cold voice echoed from the shadows.


    "You are already doing so much better than the expectations of those watching you, my friend, from another world. So, why fret so much? Maybe I don''t have to end you..."


    ("Host...? Aeik...!!")


    "Shhh. Keep it a secret, even from me."


    The owner of the voice vanished, leaving behind a few cold, emotionless words.


    "After all, I don''t exist anymore."


    ***


    In a distant place, Max hissed softly under his breath as Elena secured a new bandage over the wound on his back. She sighed, her gaze drifting towards Austin and Jenny.


    "The wound on his back isn''t healing. The dragon fire must have contained something that prevent any healing spells, skills, herbs, or potions from working. He''s doing alright, but his fever won''t break unless he rests."


    Austin crouched down with a groan. Frustration etched itself onto his face.


    "It''s been two days. We can''t stay in one place for long with the dragon on our tail and, for some reason, able to sense Max''s location. What should we do?"


    Jenny peered out of the cave they were in, its entrance concealed behind a cascading waterfall. Her brow furrowed, a crease of confusion etched across her forehead.


    "I don''t get it. The map Professor Moore gave us has a lot of the information about this level, and we''ve confirmed it''s correct because it led us to many treasures. But why are we unable to find the Gate to the next level according to the map?"


    She bit her lip.


    "It''s as if the map Professor Moore found was a false hope, left behind by some sick bastard who knew about the first level. Or maybe the location of the Gate leading to the next level has been altered."


    Max thumped his chest with a smile.


    "I''m fine, guys. Don''t worry. I think we are probably just going in the wrong direction. The dense forest is throwing us off."


    Austin scoffed under his breath.


    "Who''s worried about you?"


    Max rose to his feet, a wry smile playing on his lips. He donned a plain shirt to cover his bare torso, his gaze shifting to Jenny.


    "We know the gate''s location can''t change. It has never happened. Also, Master Moore would not have given us the maps without verifying the accuracy first. He acts crazy, but he would never put us in danger."


    Elena sighed at his words.


    "Hopefully you are right, like always. Or we know that with the dragon around, staying here for long is dangerous for us."


    Her eyes locked with Jenny''s.


    "It''s all because of someone who couldn''t keep her younger brother in check."


    Jenny''s fists clenched tightly.


    "What did you say?"


    "I''m just stating the facts."


    Max quickly moved between them before the situation escalated. He couldn''t believe his team was fighting amongst themselves.


    "Both of you, calm down! I know, what happened is indeed Skyler''s fault. But he''s young, and we need to understand that he will make mistakes. We are the ones who need to help him learn from them."


    Elena turned away, not in the mood to talk more, and Jenny felt even angrier. Yet, both of them had the same thought.


    ''Skyler''s the one to blame for this! I need to make sure he knows what he did wrong.''


    Austin watched them silently, a growing sense of unease settling in his gut. It had been years since he had joined Max, but he had always harbored this strange, nagging feeling that his friends weren''t entirely who they showed. And after Skyler showed up, that feeling had only intensified.


    ''Why does their act of being so good, as if they''re saints, feel so off sometimes? Is it just me, or is something wrong here?''


    He tilted his head, perplexed. Why did Max and Jenny feel they needed to help Skyler, as if the latter was a pitiful soul in need? And the fact that Skyler never even asked for their help was downright bizarre.


    A mirthful glint flashed in his eyes.


    ''This is crazy. To think I only doubted this and never thought too much about it. Now I understand what my father meant when he told me that those who are too good to be true, are often the most corrupt.''


    Max noticed the smile in his eyes.


    "What are you thinking about? If it''s a good thing, share it so we can all laugh a bit. The atmosphere has been gloomy for a while."


    Austin stood up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.


    "Nothing, really. Things just became more interesting. I should thank Skyler for this."


    Max''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    "What?"


    Austin chuckled and patted his shoulder.


    "You won''t get it, my friend. Let''s just go and find the Gate to the next level. So we can get out of this place soon and you can rest."

 Chapter 103 103: Time to go back!

    "Ugh..."


    Skyler''s eyes fluttered open. Dazed, he lay for a moment on the cold grass, amidst the familiar tall trees, under a dark sky studded with sparkling stars before muttering.


    "What happened...?"


    His mind was hazy, and his whole body ached so intensely that he felt as if a truck had run him over. He remembered climbing to the peak of the mountain, using the map to find the direction of the Gate that would lead him to the next level.


    Then, he recalled sneaking towards the dragon''s cave to claim the golden gate he couldn''t take the first time. He easily took it, all thanks to the dragon who had destroyed the entire structure of the cave.


    After that, he remembered happily running towards the Gate, carrying his harvest. But why couldn''t he remember what happened next? Everything went dark suddenly.


    He hissed as he dragged himself to sit down, his heart sinking as he surveyed the scene. Corpses of countless monsters lay scattered around him. Only then did Skyler notice the blood staining his clothes and the familiar spear clutched in his hand.


    "505? Explain what happened here. How long have I been unconscious? No, tell me who killed the monsters because I don''t remember fighting any monsters."


    A kinda weird response arrived.


    ("Haha... Host... You fainted like, uh, three days ago. 505 believes your body could not handle all that running without a hint of rest. It gave up and needed time to heal. I''m glad you''re finally awake.")


    Skyler''s eyes darkened.


    "505, that is not the right answer. Tell me who killed the monsters here."


    There was a moment of silence. 505 fidgeted, unsure how to respond because it was very sacred. If it mentioned something it wasn''t supposed to, it would be erased by the hands of its own host, who seemed to have a dangerous split personality.


    ("Host, I can only say I am glad that you''re back to being yourself. Please understand that my life is on the line. QAQ. You are a lot more dangerous than you think.")


    Skyler rubbed his aching temples.


    His mind was a jumbled mess, making it hard to think clearly. Yet, he already had a terrible hunch about what had happened.


    He could feel it in his gut, an instinctive feeling, that one of the massive mirrors in his subconscious had stayed empty while he was unconscious. Almost as if the ''him'' trapped within it had escaped to reality but returned when he woke up. Yet, he had no idea what triggered something like this.


    Staggering, he heaved himself to his feet. But his legs trembled so violently that he feared they might buckle beneath him. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Damn it... I hate this. How dare he use my body without my permission? And to make it even worse, I don''t remember what that bastard did while I was unconscious."


    He braced himself against a nearby tree, clenched his fist and hit his chest angrily.


    "Hey, you hear me? It doesn''t matter if you are me from another timeline. If something like this happens again, I swear I will break those mirrors myself to get rid of you both."


    His expression was grim. There was no response, but he smirked in triumph when he sensed a shocked feeling within him.


    "Hehe, I guess I hit the mark. If I broke the mirrors I can get rid of you two. Now, now, we are the same. But this life is mine and I hate sharing. So, if you two want to come out to do something for whatever reason, make sure I can see what you are doing."


    He checked his storage rings to ensure nothing was missing from his belongings.


    "That''s the only rule I''m setting for now. Because I have a hunch that if I stopped you two from coming out, something bad would happen. There''s probably a reason why you two are still present. And it would be a lie if I said I wasn''t curious about your stories."


    Skyler cleared his throat, feeling pleased with himself. He was confident that no one else could be as big-hearted as he was! The two others ''him'' should really be thankful to him. Instantly, he slapped his thigh.


    "Shhh! Why am I even thinking? I shouldn''t be so full of myself, even if I am that good."


    If the others ''him'' could speak, they would have questioned how the hell he turned out this way. They were never this shameless.


    505 watched him silently. The system had no idea what was going on inside its host''s head. Ultimately, it couldn''t take it anymore. It just wanted to rest for a while. To digest what it had witnessed over the past days.


    ("Umm... host? How about you go to the next level? The Gate is behind you.")


    Reading the message, Skyler''s head snapped back. A jolt of shock ran through him. He whirled around almost instantly. But the next second, his excitement vanished.


    "Ah... the Gate is rather ordinary?"


    He stopped searching for a sharp weapon that could be used to dig out gems, as he looked at the gate with disappointment.


    An ordinary wooden gate, bathed in blood, stood amidst the trees. Its old surface was carved with ancient symbols, but that''s it. It was nothing in front of the beautiful golden gate he took from the Dragon''s cave.


    505 noticed the disappointment etched on his face and was utterly speechless. So, its host was still not satisfied, even though he had swept a dragon''s lair clean. The system didn''t know whether to cry or laugh, but one thing was clear: it had to get used to this or else it wouldn''t be able to function.


    ("Host, you should go back to your world. When you come back next time, 505 will have reached the stage of acceptance.")


    Skyler blinked innocently, a wistful expression clouding his features.


    "Wouldn''t you miss me, my dear system? Why are you so eager to send me away?"


    505 left and cursed in the system chat, the other systems were scared and went silent. Only when it felt it had released its anger did it come back, now calm and collected.


    ("Of course, host! 505 will definitely miss you! You are the best! Just crazy! QAQ")


    Skyler chuckled. He needed to treat 505 better, lest he frighten the system away.


    But his smile faltered, morphing into a grimace as he attempted to approach the Gate, only to find his legs betraying him.


    "I have no strength... 505, do I have any points left? I don''t think I can even walk in this state, let alone open the Gate. And why are my elemental crystals depleted?"


    He raised a surprised eyebrow when the gloomy system suddenly became excited.


    ("Do you have any points left? Hehe. Host, you better see your status. I believe you will like what you would see, since I do.")


    Skyler took a deep breath, trying to absorb as much of Evol as possible into his body.


    "Status."


    A familiar screen materialized before him.


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 5-star (First stage)


    2) Darkness: 6-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: 0-star (Final stage)


    4) Lightning: (Locked)


    5) ???


    Overall Strength:


    6-star Novice (Final stage)


    Potential: 10-star Adept


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (6)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Opened)


    - System points: 22,450


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 1st level of Battle Royal (In Use)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Not available)


    _______


    Skyler''s eyes widened when he saw the amount of points he had. The fact that his dark elemental crystal had jumped another star in just three days was also shocking.


    "I have grown stronger! And 20 thousand plus points! What the hell did I do the past few days to earn so many points?"


    505, in a moment of excitement, forgot that it was supposed to keep a big secret.


    ("Host, you were acting very crazy, but you found some missions and completed them. You even killed many 10-star beasts!")


    Skyler rubbed his chin. It seemed the him with dark eyes was up to something.


    "What type of missions?"


    505 wanted to respond to him happily, but remembering its promise to keep everything a secret, it gasped and fell completely silent. Skyler called out to the system a few times, but getting no response, he was furious.


    "He even swayed my system!"


    He clicked his tongue, annoyed.


    "Okay, buy me a healing potion. One that would heal my body as soon as possible."


    ("Host, 505 will buy an expensive one because you have a lot of points now.")


    He nodded and held out his hand. A vial filled with liquid dropped onto his palm.


    Skyler opened the vial and swallowed the liquid. Soon, he felt the potion''s effects as the pain in his body began to subside. He sighed and closed his eyes.


    A minute later, he was finally able to stand upright, his body feeling a sense of relief as he walked towards the wooden Gate. With a soft push, he swung it open. Only darkness greeted him, but he still stepped in.


    The moment he saw light, without looking around, he checked his status. The option ''Exit Battle Royal'' was finally available.


    "Okay. Time to go back."


    With that, he imagined pressing the option. A light enveloped him, and he vanished.

 Chapter 104 104: The First to Return I

    Within the familiar dome of Starlight Academy, where the students who left for the Battle Royal had disappeared, multiple powerful Lights dozed off, their watchful duty momentarily forgotten.


    These Lights were sent by the heads of government, who had learned about what happened at the academy after receiving complaints from several wealthy houses.


    VP Doris tried her best, but the news still got out. And how could the rich stay calm after finding that their future heirs had entered the Battle Royal without preparations?


    The Academy was put in a tight spot and had to pay a hefty price to appease those families, to avoid ruining their reputation.


    Yet, the real culprit, Moore, was yet to get caught. Even the government couldn''t find him, as it was rumored he had entered the Battle Royal again to climb another level.


    VP Doris was furious when she received a letter from him. It held a simple message:


    ''Don''t look for me, because you won''t find me. And worry not, I promise every student will return alive. They are the ones who will make the academy''s name shine more.''


    In any case, the group of Lights staying in the dome were tasked with monitoring the situation and ensuring that if any students returned from the Battle Royal, they would inform the heads of the government, who were closely watching this matter.


    Because, in secret, the government also desired the map given to the students.


    If the map truly contained the knowledge Moore claimed, it would be a monumental discovery, and they could send their young agents to secure the treasures it revealed.


    Today marked the fifth night that these Lights were spending in the dome, idle and unproductive. One of them, bearing a scar on his forehead, watching a drama on his phone, glanced at his colleagues.


    His name was Kaito.


    "Sigh... you guys are sleeping again. I don''t understand why we are even doing this job. We just returned from the Battle Royal after risking our lives, yet look what the heads of the government are making us do, almost as if they''re trying to show us our place."


    Another light, known as Syllus, sighed.


    "At least, they did not assign this useless task to Sir Argon and the core team of our guild. I guess it''s Sir Argon''s kindness and love for the continent''s citizens that makes him put up with this nonsense. Or else, as the strongest in this continent, he could easily challenge the government."


    They were shut down by their leader, a tall, muscular man who was Argon''s friend. His name was Alfanzo, but he was known as the executor because he wielded a scythe.


    "Don''t run your mouths."


    He commanded, his voice low.


    "We know the Queen is stressed because even our guild failed to clear the 51st level of Battle Royal. The heads of government are just taking it out on the top guilds who are failing to meet her expectations."


    Silence enveloped the dome. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But everyone jumped to their feet when a familiar gray light flashed inside the dome.


    Syllus shouted, shocked.


    "Someone''s really back!"


    Kaito nodded, and the group quickly encircled the area with the gray light.


    They had considered the possibility that Moore''s map was accurate. Because they knew him ¡ª Moore had once come to their guild and challenged Argon to a duel, only to be defeated in a move. Even so, they never expected someone to return so quickly!


    After all, the fastest recorded time for clearing a level in Eldoria was a month!


    Alfanzo chuckled excitedly.


    "Whoever this student is... if the news spreads that he cleared a level in five days, his name is going to go down in history."


    That''s what greeted Skyler when he finally returned. Multiple unfamiliar faces staring at him as if he was a unique species.


    What pissed him off was that they were all taller than him. He looked like a little lamb standing between their towering frames.


    Skyler tried to conceal his storage rings when many eyes were attracted to them.


    "Excuse me. Make way! I want to pass!"


    Alfanzo cleared his throat and asked his curious colleagues to back away.


    Still, murmurs erupted in the dome.


    "Is he Max? Why is he only a 6-star?"


    "No, the report said Max is stronger. I heard Max and his team were the best among the students and were expected to return first."


    "He''s not Max. I saw that kid on TV in the preliminary test. Their faces don''t match."


    "Then who is he? A new face?"


    Skyler''s eyebrow twitched. Many students entered the Battle Royal, so why was Max the first name on everyone''s lips? Almost as if everything revolved around Max and his team? His tone was calm, yet edgy.


    "I don''t know who you all are. But my name is Skyler. Skyler Ironhart. As for Max, I don''t know. Maybe he''s running around because a big creature is chasing him? Who knows? I''m just predicting. I haven''t seen him."


    His words hushed the excited lights.


    Nevertheless, they were confused by his prediction. Why would Max be chased? If only they knew he was being petty.


    Alfanzo glared at the others for intimidating a student who had just come back from such a dangerous place before turning to Skyler.


    "Skyler, right? I understand you must be tired and want to rest. But could we take a look at the map Professor Moore gave you? We are willing to negotiate if you don''t want to share it for free. After all, it''s yours."


    He was surprised when the ash-brown haired youth tossed a map in his direction.


    Not just him, everyone was shocked.


    They had thought Skyler came from a rich family, seeing so many storage rings on him, and assumed he would never give them the map. But it seems they were wrong.


    Skyler watched Alfanzo intently, more specifically, he was looking at the scythe that rested behind the man''s back. It was strange, but he felt a sense of suitability.


    "Can I leave now? I really want to go to my room to rest and also talk to my family."


    Alfanzo nodded, unfolding the map.


    "You can go. But stay within the academy. We may need you again. The government is handling everything about this matter."


    Skyler left the dome, feeling the weight of many eyes following him. He clutched the storage ring hanging on a chain around his neck, grateful that 505 asked him to hide the mythic-rank storage ring separately.


    ''I almost lost my precious treasures. It''s a good thing those people weren''t nosy. I am sure they are very powerful because they didn''t even give off any kind of aura.''

 Chapter 105 105: The First to Return II

    After a while, Skyler finally stepped into the familiar room the academy had given him. The lights flickered on automatically.


    The room was exactly as he left it: the bed was a mess, with a jacket tossed on top.


    "Hah, it feels like ages since I left."


    He exhaled as he shed his upper clothes, dropping them carelessly on the floor and staggering toward the bathroom.


    The silver chain around his neck sparkled, as did the storage rings on his fingers.


    Skyler checked the storage ring his father had given him and quickly pulled out his phone and dialed his mother''s number.


    As the call rang, he turned on the water, letting it fill the built-in bathtub.


    Even in the middle of the night, his mom picked up on the first ring. A sleepy voice drifted from the other side.


    "Hello...?"


    "Mom, it''s me."


    Skyler chuckled when a soft thud echoed through the phone, followed by a muffled groan, sure his father was kicked awake.


    Riya''s voice steadied, a wave of relief washing over her.


    "I didn''t see the number. My dear son, it''s you! Thank goodness, you are back safely! You suddenly called and asked me to pick up Riruru without any explanation. When we found out what happened, we were worried."


    Johnson took the phone from her.


    "Well, if you entered the Battle Royal, you would have made the decision carefully. But are you okay? Do you need help? Should we leave for the Academy right now?"


    Skyler quickly assured them.


    Knowing his mother, he knew she was already getting ready to come see him.


    "No, wait, I am fine. There is really no need for you two to travel so late at night. The map the professor gave me was right, or else how could I have returned so soon?"


    Johnson stopped his worried wife.


    "That''s a relief."


    He paused for a moment, as if consulting with his wife, before clearing his throat.


    "Son, your mom still isn''t convinced. She wants you to send some pictures to her. No, maybe a video call would be good?"


    Skyler noticed the blood staining his body and that he was only wearing trousers. He declined the incoming video call.


    "Not now, Dad. I''m in the bath. How about I send some pictures when I''m finished?"


    "Okay. But remember to send them."


    "Dad, what about Riruru? Is she okay? If possible, can you send her back to me? I can''t leave the academy for a while."


    Riya was the one who responded.


    "Don''t worry, Riruru is fine. She was angry when you left. But seeing me, she calmed down. However, Sky, she''s not with us."


    Skyler''s heart sank instantly. He sprang to his feet, forgetting the bath to search for her.


    "What? I told you to take care of her!"


    His mother''s voice rose in concern.


    "Calm down, son. Let me finish first."


    Skyler paused, his feet tapping impatiently on the ground. He only felt somewhat relief when his mom explained what happened.


    "Dear, Riruru didn''t come with us. We tried, but maybe she wanted to wait for you. She''s with the Vice Principal assistant, Lorian. We called Lorian daily to check on her. You can go pick her up anytime from her room."


    Skyler sank to his heels, exhaling softly.


    On the other hand, his mother was feeling quite troubled. While she didn''t disapprove of his connection with Riruru, his behavior was becoming increasingly extreme.


    This was quite concerning. Still, she held back, thinking that she was overthinking.


    After all, Riruru was just a beast, one that Skyler had only recently met. He was likely preoccupied with her since he had a habit of fixating on sparking things. And Riruru''s eyes could easily be likened to rubies.


    Skyler quickly answered Riya when she asked if he was alright. He stood up and went back to the bathroom. This time, he wanted to take a quick shower so he could go and pick up Riruru as soon as possible.


    For now, his heart had calmed down.


    He chuckled when his mother said she would come visit him tomorrow.


    "Mom, I told you I am doing well. I will send you plenty of pictures to prove it. There''s no need for you to come all this way. It''s only been a week since Charles and I left."


    Riya wanted to complain. But she decided to just let him be for now. She would give him a scolding when he returned home.


    "Okay, if you say so. We won''t come. Still, make sure you eat a healthy meal now that you are back. I remember you complaining about not liking roasted meat."


    Skyler hissed as his mother continued to rant about how much he worried her.


    "Okay, okay. Bye. I will talk to you later."


    He chuckled when he heard his mother complaining to his father about how their son was in such a hurry to end the call.


    "Mom, I love you both and I miss you both too, just as you miss me. Take care."


    With that, he ended the call, hoping his father would survive his mom''s nagging.


    "He should protect his son''s ears." S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He smirked and took a quick shower. Then, wearing his academy uniform, he took a lot of pictures and sent them to his mother.


    After that, he rushed out of his room and started looking for Lorian''s living quarters.


    It took him a while, because the academy was quiet at such an hour, but after getting a message from his mother, who roughly told him the direction to Lorian''s living quarters, he finally found the building she lived in.


    This time, he had concealed his storage rings inside a pouch he discovered.


    He woke a sleeping worker on the ground floor of the building to ask for Lorian''s room number. The worker was hesitant to let him enter, but Skyler was stubborn and soon he was standing outside her room.


    Lorian was shocked when he knocked on her door in the dead of night. She was in her nightgown, her untied hair flowing down her shoulders. But his eyes went behind her.


    "Sorry, but I''m here to pick up Riruru."

 Chapter 106 106: Not angry anymore?

    The VP''s assistant stared at him, stunned. What Skyler said didn''t register in her mind.


    Lorian couldn''t believe her eyes.


    Skyler, one of the many students who had left for the Battle Royal, stood before her!


    All she could manage was.


    "How are you back already...?"


    Skyler''s eyes, which were trying to search behind her for Riruru, finally turned to her.


    However, he was embarrassed when he took in her attire. He scratched his head awkwardly, unsure where to look.


    "I... just came back."


    Lorian finally shook off her surprise. She cleared her throat and adjusted the lapels of her nightgown, her cheeks burning.


    She had opened the door without thinking, assuming it was one of the female workers or professors who lived in her building.


    Who would have thought it would be someone she least expected?


    Before Lorian could speak again to dispel the awkwardness, a sudden chill ran down her spine, as if someone was watching her intensely from behind. She was correct. Riruru had woken up due to the noise. However, she didn''t like what she saw.


    Skyler''s eyes lit up when he noticed the familiar glowing red eyes behind Lorian.


    "Riruru! Come here!"


    He bent down and held out his hands toward her with a wide smile. For some reason, he felt happy just to see her. His smile faded when the snake on the bed turned her head away with a huff.


    "Riruru...?"


    Lorian looked at him, then at the white snake. Amused by the duo, particularly by the variety of emotions that flitted across Skyler''s face in a matter of seconds. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was overjoyed to see the snake, then confused when Riruru turned away, only to turn gloomy and hurt a moment later.


    Skyler''s shoulders dropped. Anxious.


    "Did she forget about me? No, that can''t be. We have spent so much time together."


    Lorian fought back a laugh, her smile quickly swallowed as she met his gaze.


    "It''s late. Maybe she''s just tired. She has taken a liking to me. How about you come back tomorrow to pick her up? And instead of coming here, first you should''ve reported to Vice Principal Doris about your return. But now I will handle that for you."


    Skyler felt conflicted. He couldn''t believe Riruru had developed a liking for someone else. His gaze remained fixed on her as he rose to his feet and turned to Lorian.


    "Can I enter your room?"


    Lorian raised a brow. He likely planned to barge in, pick up Riruru, and take her with him, intending to soothe her afterward. To be honest, she enjoyed Riruru''s company. The snake was cute and very obedient. So, she wanted to remain with her longer.


    "No. Come back tomorrow."


    Skyler''s shoulders dropped more. He could not enter Lorian''s room without permission. He gave one final reluctant glance to Riruru before turning to go back to his room.


    Yet, the moment he turned to leave, the snake panicked and rushed after him.


    Lorian wanted to stop her, but Riruru was too quick. Bewilderment washed over her as the snake clung to him like a leech.


    Skyler smirked and folded his arms.


    "Not angry anymore?"


    He looked at her, but Riruru turned away again, huffing and puffing, which made him chuckle. She was still angry at him, but she didn''t want him to leave without her either.


    "Let''s go back to our room."


    Lorian watched the two as they left. She shook her head when she saw how Skyler was trying to talk with Riruru, even though the snake could barely understand. She glanced at the clock in her room.


    "It''s late. Regardless, I will message the VP to tell her about him. This is important. Still, I can''t believe he''s back already. Does that mean Max and his team are back too?"


    She froze suddenly.


    "Wait... if I remember correctly, wasn''t his potential tested as 5-star? So, why did the aura around him felt so strong? I am not that strong. Did I make a mistake?"


    She turned back, gazing down the stairs where Skyer and Riruru had vanished.


    "I will go talk with the VP instead of just sending a text. Hopefully, she''s awake. This is not normal. I remember hearing he only awakened a 1-star potential in the start."


    ***


    Meanwhile, Skyler entered his room and slammed the door shut behind him.


    "Now, I feel I am done with everything."


    He glanced at Riruru.


    "Come on. Look at me. You can''t be angry with me for this long. I bought a lot of gifts for you. I''m sorry for leaving you alone."


    Skyler gathered his dirty clothes from the floor and bed, quickly tossing them into the washing machine in the bathroom. At least, he didn''t have to dry the clothes himself, as the machine would take care of that.


    He made his bed and settled down in the center with different snacks. Riruru left his arm and went to sit on a pillow. Opening a bag of potato chips, he sighed.


    "Mom said to eat healthy... But I''m too hungry and tired to cook right now."


    Skyler glanced at the grumpy snake, his eyes crinkling as he reached into his shirt and pulled out a pouch filled with storage rings. Selecting one of the rings, he took out the familiar Evol Bloodstone Jewels, their brilliance illuminating the room.


    "These are for you."


    Riruru was stunned. The warmth radiating from the jewels startled her. But that''s it. It wasn''t like she hadn''t seen jewels before.


    In fact, she had seen ones far bigger than these in her dreams recently. She had seen a sleeping woman surrounded by these. It''s just the woman was frozen in the ice.


    Truthfully, Riruru had already forgiven him the moment she saw him. But she wanted to keep pretending for a while, just to make sure he wouldn''t leave her again.


    Skyler''s smile faltered as he noticed the lack of enthusiasm in her eyes. His pride, evident moments before, began to wane. Why does she look so unimpressed? This was the first time in his life he was sharing! He failed to notice how unlike usual he felt, not even a hint of hesitation to give away something he would never to another.


    "Riru, You don''t like these? I put my life on the line to bring these for you. What about something different? Gold or silver?"


    He pulled out a multitude of items. By the time he was finished, the entire room was overflowing with treasures of every kind.


    If anyone walked into his room right now, they would definitely faint at the sight.

 Chapter 107 107: Wait! I didnt mean it!

    Riruru watched him, a hint of amusement dancing in her red eyes, which crinkled at the corners as he tossed a potato chip in his mouth with each treasure he took out.


    She didn''t get everything he conveyed, but she grasped the general meaning. At least, spending five days with Lorian hadn''t been a complete waste. Now, she knew Skyler wasn''t a creature but a human, unlike her.


    Skyler sighed and slumped back onto the bed when nothing seemed to impress her.


    "I need to find better treasures next time."


    He muttered, more to himself than to her. A chuckle escaped him as the snake climbed onto his chest, her large eyes fixed on him.


    "What? You don''t like anything..."


    He halted, and instinctively shut his eyes when a brilliant light flashed above him.


    One that was brighter than the gold and multiple precious jewels in his room.


    Skyler stilled in his place as the weight above him increased suddenly. His heart skipped a beat and quickened its pace as he felt long hair falling over his face.


    "Huh...?"


    Cold fingers splayed across his chest, and his eyes flew open in shock. The first thing he noticed was long, white hair cascading down from above, falling over him.


    Then, a pair of crescent-shaped crimson eyes, that looked very familiar, staring at him. And a pair of small, soft lips.


    "You... You...!"


    He stuttered, and his face flushed a deep crimson as his gaze accidentally¡ªor not¡ªdropped lower to something he definitely should not have seen. She was naked!


    Skyler jolted up, too flustered to think straight, causing Riruru to lose her balance. He instinctively grasped her waist to assist. The touch was so soft that he froze. Due to their position, his eyes went further down. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wait...! Wait! I didn''t mean it!"


    He abruptly let her go and quickly covered his eyes with his arm, before scrambling to pull the blanket over her body. The sounds of the gold and silver falling down the bed due to his movement echoed in the room.


    Riruru struggled against the blanket but stopped when he jumped off the bed.


    She tilted her head, confused. Did he not like her human appearance? She had fully checked her core in his absence to find a way to change to this human-like form.


    Only to discover that she had to use the power of the soul fragment within her.


    The fragment was weak, so whenever she changed form, a part of her life force was consumed. That''s why she had waited for Skyler to come back to change form. She didn''t want to waste her life force in vain.


    "Sky...?"


    Skyler''s eyes widened at the hesitant voice, as if the owner wasn''t sure how to speak.


    However, he didn''t look at her. Instead, he wiped the blood trickling down his nose.


    "Cover yourself first, okay?"


    Things escalated too quickly for him to understand what happened and why. He lowered his arm slowly but groaned when he saw the red eye staring at him blankly, as if she had no idea what he just said.


    He sat on his heels, cursing himself when he noticed that his body had reacted.


    "Fuck... why now!? I really don''t want to know how healthy I am in this situation!"


    He sucked in a deep breath. Even if he was the worst, he needed to calm down. Riruru was surely freaking out more than he was!


    "Right..."


    Skyler glanced at the bed, but the sight of Riruru standing upon it sent another wave of blood flowing from his nose. Stiffening, he shot to his feet and left his own room. He needed some fresh air to calm down.


    He slammed the door shut behind him before raising his head to try and stop the bleeding from his nose. Fortunately, the noise didn''t wake any of his neighbors


    He paced the hallway for a few minutes. Only when he felt calmer did he turn back.


    "Riruru just transformed into a human... I never knew she could do it... I need to help her adjust. Should I call Ms. Lorian?"


    He muttered but clenched the door handle when he noticed someone trying to open it from the inside. Sudden dread, discomfort, and maybe even anger washed over him. He couldn''t let her come out like that!


    Skyler quickly opened the door, stepped in, and closed it behind him. Steeling himself, he looked at the beautiful woman sitting on the floor and let out a faint smile when he saw that she was holding the blanket.


    "Not like this."


    He quickly bent down and covered her body with the blanket before meeting her gaze.


    "Can you walk?"


    Riruru stared at him. She understood him, but walking was new to her, so she couldn''t do it properly. Skyler waited patiently when he noticed her processing his words. In the end, she slowly shook her head.


    "It''s okay. You''ll learn how to with time."


    He thought for a second, and she yelped when he suddenly picked her up. Skyler let out a chuckle as she instinctively reached out to wrap her arms around his neck.


    "Don''t worry, I won''t let you fall..."


    He trailed off when he noticed her smiling sweetly. The words ''So beautiful'' died down at the tip of his tongue. He couldn''t help but wonder what thoughts were swirling in her mind. Or if she could hear the sound of his heart that had decided to betray him.


    ''Have I always been this fickle? What about my first crush? How can I fall for another so fast? Mom, you didn''t teach your son right!''


    Skyler wanted to cry and beat himself. How could he be such a jerk? One whose heart changed course so easily? Perhaps it was the red eyes and bright hair that captivated him? The ease with which he accepted his new feelings only amplified his guilt!


    He put Riruru on the bed, his heart heavy.


    "I am sorry... I am really sorry."


    Riruru blinked cutely, and Skyler felt his fickle and shameless heart skip another beat. If only the earth would open up and swallow him. But unfortunately, it didn''t.

 Chapter 108 108: Lets go find that

    "I will give you some of my clothes."


    Skyler took out some clothes from his storage ring as he sat beside Riruru.


    "You can wear them for now."


    His face turned serious suddenly, a grim expression replacing his carefree smile.


    "And... Riruru, you absolutely must make sure that you don''t change into a human in front of anyone else besides me, okay?"


    A wave of heat crept up his neck when Riruru tilted her head, her innocent gaze questioning what he meant.


    "Shhh..."


    He closed his eyes for a second, realizing how overbearing he sounded when she did not even understand what he was saying.


    "Am I being possessive right now? When Riruru had just turned into a human? Wow, just wow. How much worse can I get?"


    He muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with a bitter sarcasm that hung heavy in the air. He had so much to teach her; she was practically like a newborn.


    Even so, he was reluctant to say that it was acceptable for her to change form in front of someone else. Just the thought of it made him clench his fists in frustration.


    A deep sense of unease settled over him. For the first time in his life, he realized the depth of his own selfishness, a truth that stung like a slap in the face.


    ''I still remember the ruby-red eyes of the woman who helped me in Battle Royal so vividly... her face, her gorgeous wings.''


    He sighed, a flicker of guilt in his gaze.


    ''I know I can''t take my eyes off Riruru right now, but I still don''t want to give up on her.''


    Skyler immediately jerked back in surprise when Riruru sat up, staring directly at him.


    "What...?"


    His gaze dropped to her lips when she opened her small mouth.


    "I won not..."


    Skyler''s eyes shot up to meet hers.


    "Huh?"


    He felt a fluttering feeling in his stomach when he understood what Riruru was trying to convey. She was telling him she wouldn''t change form in front of anyone else.


    A smile spread across his face as he reached out to pat her head. Her hair felt smooth and cool, so his touch lingered.


    "Good. I will get a special artifact for you. So, a tailored garment materializes around your body when you shift into a human. I saw it online once. I''ll check on Star Net."


    He pushed the clothes he was holding toward her, his eyes darting away nervously. The first time he had seen her naked was an accident, but if he let his gaze wander there again, he would truly be a jerk!


    "You should wear these."


    He paused for a second.


    "Do you know how?"


    Riruru stared at him and he got it: she did not know. With a deep breath, he steeled his loud heart. It seemed he had no choice. He had to help her. Skyler swore, his intentions were pure when he took back the clothes.


    But maybe heaven noticed his dropping gaze as he lifted his hand to get rid of the blanket wrapped around Riruru, a familiar golden light flashed in the room.


    Skyler shut his eyes, and when he opened them, he felt a pang of regret as the beauty transformed back into her snake form.


    "Why so soon? I was finally calm."


    He grumbled before falling silent.


    The image of Riruru''s figure flashed in his mind, and he pinched himself to dispel it.


    Skyler turned to look at the small, white snake, who yawned with droopy eyelids. It seems changing into a human wasn''t easy for her. He watched her as she drifted off to sleep. How could she be so beautiful and adorable? He chuckled at his thought.


    "It seems first I need to teach Riruru to slap me if I ever tried to take advantage of her."


    He shifted his body, turning towards her.


    The stress and exhaustion of the past five days finally caught up to him. That''s how a snake and a human fell into a deep sleep amidst a glittering array of treasures.


    In the silence, an ethereal aura spread out from Skyler''s body. A pair of glowing white eyes flickered open in the darkness, and he rose to his feet. A smile played on his lips as he gazed at Riruru''s sleeping form.


    "It''s been so long... Still, to think this idiot found a part of you without any help. Things are going different from usual because he refused all the memories."


    He reached out to touch her, but halted.


    A sad smile spread across his lips.


    "Look, I didn''t lose myself..."


    With that, he turned away. His gaze didn''t linger. This Riruru wasn''t the one he fell for. She had died in front of his very eyes.


    He waved his hand, and the treasures scattered in the room began to float.


    "Hmm... it should have been here?"


    His gaze sharpened as he looked at the storage rings scattered across the bed. All the rings flew towards him and he scanned every treasure within them, his movements so rapid they strained his body. Skyler was not yet strong enough to wield such power.


    A mirthless chuckle escaped his lips when he finally found what he was looking for.


    "Ruler of Hell. Perhaps... I''m saying, just perhaps, if we had been more immature like him, we wouldn''t have fallen?"


    One of his eyes shone with a dark hue.


    ''Shut up, or I will consume you.''


    Amusement flickered in his gaze as he considered the thought directed at him. His gaze fixated on the small, ancient pendant hovering before him. It was tarnished and weathered, yet still emanated a red glow.


    Under his eyes, the pendant disintegrated into a flurry of shimmering particles, which then surged into Riruru''s sleeping form. She shifted in discomfort but then suddenly the aura around her spiked. A familiar golden light enveloped her. Within seconds, she jumped from being a 9-star to a 12-star.


    Riruru''s eyes flickered open for a second. However, she fell unconscious when the fragment of her soul grew in size.


    He smiled and looked away.


    "With this, now he had two parts of her scattered soul. I am kind of jealous."


    With a flick of his wrist, all the treasures in the room vanished into the storage rings. Then the rings gathered and entered the pouch that lay on the bed beside Riruru.


    In the end, only the storage ring Skyler''s father gifted him remained on his finger. The white hue in his gaze faded, replaced by a dim, fake blue as he left the room. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s go find that. The Keeper of Time has a bad habit of putting it in the most casual place possible... since he can''t touch it."


    A snicker sounded in his thoughts.


    ''Here I thought the current owner warned us not to use his body without permission.''

 Chapter 109 109: A Novel?

    Skyler staggered when he suddenly found himself standing. His eyes widened as he took in his surroundings. He was standing in an unfamiliar place that looked like a library, filled with towering bookshelves.


    "Where...?"


    A familiar, sharp pain ripped through his body, forcing him to double over, hissing. The very pain he felt when his body was used by ''him'' from an erased timeline.


    It took him a few seconds to grasp that he, who should have been asleep in his room with Riruru, had arrived here on his own.


    Was he pissed when he realized how!


    "Fuck... not again! This time I didn''t even feel it when one of the two jerks used my body! Was it because I was tired?"


    Cursing the two men in the mirrors in his subconscious, he straightened up to know where the hell they had brought him. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only then did he notice he was holding an ordinary-looking book. The cover featured no drawing just three simple gray words.


    He read the words and was more furious.


    "Fate of Eldoria? A Novel? Those bastards used my body just to read a novel?? That''s it! I am breaking those damn mirrors!"


    Skyler jolted, barely managing to catch the book before it tumbled to the floor when an old voice boomed from behind him.


    "Student! Why did you enter that section? Those books are not for students. I let you enter the library early this morning so you could study. Not to make me lose my job."


    He whirled around, his gaze meeting the stern eyes of the elder in the robe who had arrived behind him. The familiar ID hanging from the man''s neck confirmed one thing: he was still within the academy''s walls.


    The old man''s eyes narrowed.


    "Were your eyes a clear shade of blue? I think I saw a different color earlier."


    A bead of sweat trickled down Skyler''s forehead as the old man scrutinized him.


    "You probably misunderstood, sir."


    The old man frowned.


    "Really? How strange."


    He muttered before looking at him.


    "Anyway, leave this area. The bookshelves marked with silver are for professors only. Go to the other side where the chairs are. That''s where students normally study."


    Nodding, Skyler tried to put the book in his hand back in the shelf, but he hissed when his shoulder was suddenly slapped.


    The old man chided in a loud voice.


    "What are you doing? There is a powerful barrier around these bookshelves. If you touched it, you would be thrown back."


    Skyler blinked and glanced at the book in his hand. Then, how did he get this? And did the old man not see it? He raised an eyebrow. So, this book wasn''t just a normal novel.


    ''Oho...''


    Before the old man''s eyes, he slipped the book into his storage ring. As expected, the elder didn''t react. He truly couldn''t see it.


    Skyler trailed behind the old man when the man said to follow. His mind was elsewhere.


    ''I will read this book, this suspicious novel first, and then I will decide if I should break the mirrors in my subconscious. So, pray you two that I like what I read.''


    He chuckled evilly in his mind, then he abruptly stopped in his tracks.


    "Sir, I think I will take my leave now. I just remembered I have a class. I will visit the library another time in the future."


    Skyler bolted away the moment he was done speaking, leaving the old man too stunned to even turn around. The elder, sputtering with indignation, yelled.


    "You prick! If you don''t want to study, why come to the library early in the morning!"


    His words, however, didn''t reach the youth, who found the exit and vanished through it. Skyler shielded his eyes from the light as he stepped out, taking in his surroundings.


    "I know this place. It''s the academy''s main library, the largest one. Now I have to go all the way back to my room, which is so far away. Hopefully, Riruru hasn''t woken up."


    He grumbled as he thought about how he had zero points in his student ID. If he had some points, he could have called a ride.


    As he started running despite his aching body toward his room, he noticed many students rushing to their classes.


    "This academy really needs to set up some teleportation portals in different locations to make things easier for the students. So, we don''t have to run to get to classes on time."


    He clicked his tongue but froze when suddenly an amazing idea struck him.


    "Wait... I have the space element, don''t I? Hehe, why didn''t I think of this before!"


    He slapped his fist in his palm.


    "If I formed my space element crystal and found a teleportation spell from the library, I can just teleport to classes directly!"


    With a new goal in mind, he once again started running. This time, he ran with an even faster pace. He couldn''t waste time!


    Still, a nagging worry gnawed at his mind.


    If anyone discovered he could wield three elements, despite only awakening affinity for one, he would be in serious trouble.


    After all, while people could enhance their potential with rare treasures, none had ever found a way to gain more element affinities beyond what they had originally awakened.


    "I never used my Darkness element in front of Jenny and her team. I can''t say the same for Zack, though. I''m not sure if he saw it in the cave. But even if he did, I don''t think he knows how many elements I awakened."


    He frowned slightly, taking a turn as he passed through a cluster of buildings. He remembered introducing Zack to the fact that he can only use the Light element. Also, the fact that Zack can talk with a higher being did nothing to ease his heart.


    "The Vice Principal too. She knows I have affinity with two elements. Thankfully, she wasn''t too interested in me and didn''t delve into how many elements I awakened."


    Skyler finally reached the building he lived in, breathless from the hurried walk.


    "I wish no one cared how many elements I could use. Then I would be safe from being kidnapped for experiments."

 Chapter 110 110: What a cringe name

    In a familiar room, Riruru''s eyes fluttered open as the enticing aroma of something delicious filled the air. She felt weary, but a surge of energy coursed through her body, making her feel more powerful than ever.


    The most perplexing aspect, however, was the golden fragment within her body. It had grown in size! How was that even possible? She remembered it had weakened after she sacrificed her life force to become human.


    Confusion flickered in her alert eyes as she scanned the room, her gaze settling on the figure in the kitchen across from the bed.


    Skyler was cooking, his sleeves rolled up to show his forearms, his expression focused as he expertly chopped vegetables.


    The rhythmic clatter of the knife hitting against the cutting board filled the air.


    As he turned toward the stove, Riruru slipped under the blanket. She didn''t know how her core had grown powerful, but now that it had, she was ready to use its energy to transform into a human! Still, she knew that due to her inexperience, it wouldn''t be easy to maintain that form for long.


    She closed her eyes, and a familiar light flashed under the blanket.


    Skyler turned his gaze toward the bed.


    "Hmm?"


    The spoon he was using to stir-fry the cut vegetables fell as he saw Riruru peek out from the blanket in her human form.


    Perhaps she understood that being naked as a human was not acceptable. This time, she made sure to properly wrap her body in the blanket before getting off the bed.


    Her legs shook, but rather than attempting to walk toward him, she started levitating.


    It came naturally to her now that she had surpassed 10-star and was an Epic-tier.


    Skyler instinctively moved his face back when Riruru''s floating figure arrived above the table between them, and she suddenly leaned her face forward, blinking.


    With a startled face, he pressed a finger to her forehead to quickly stop her before his heart became louder than it already was.


    The air crackled with tension, but then he chided her with a soft, amused voice.


    "Stop floating and sit down at a chair."


    Riruru titled her head.


    "Sit down...?"


    Skyler saw her innocent eyes, a low hiss escaping him. He grabbed her shoulders and pushed her into a chair at the table.


    "Here!"


    He moved to pick up the spoon he had dropped earlier and wash it in the tap.


    "Anyway, I brought vegetables and other necessities from the ground floor since the elderly couple there said they only cook for the students at the set times for the meals. I''m almost done. Let''s eat together."


    He knew she couldn''t understand him, but he spoke to her anyway, hoping she would pick up the words. Moreover, he could see she was somewhat grasping the language.


    Quickly finishing up, he placed the stir-fry vegetables, steamed noodles, and a small bowl of dipping sauce on the table. Then, he grabbed a juice bottle from the freezer.


    Skyler grabbed two plates and forks. He couldn''t find any glasses, so he just grabbed cups for juice and settled down opposite her. He placed her utensils before her.


    "Let''s eat..."


    He stopped, remembering how the process of eating like a human would be new to her.


    "Should I feed you? You ate very little when you were a snake and only ate meat. Would you be able to eat all this?"


    Skyler sighed when he noticed she wasn''t even looking at him. Her gaze was fixed on the food on the table. He picked up his fork with a hum, ready to assist her, but he was surprised when she also picked it up.


    Riruru looked up and locked eyes with him, and he was stunned when, for the first time, her voice flowed smoothly as she spoke.


    "I know how to eat. I remember."


    He could only watch as she tried to handle the fork. It felt as if she were trying to mimic him. After a few tries, she finally managed to grasp it properly. Quickly, she glanced at him for approval, and his lips curled upward.


    "Amazing, good job."


    He stood up and moved behind her. She froze when he grabbed her long hair and gathered it behind her back so it wouldn''t trouble her. Then, he returned to his seat.


    "Now follow me, okay?"


    Skyler started eating, and although Riruru was clumsy at first and he had to help her, she quickly learned how to manage it.


    He chuckled because the way her ruby-like red eyes sparkled with delight made it clear that she enjoyed what she was eating.


    While they were eating, he absentmindedly pulled out the ordinary-looking book that he had gotten from the library that morning. No matter from which angle he looked at it, the name on its cover looked unremarkable.


    "Fate of Eldoria. What a cringe name. I can already guess the plot ¨C some hero saving Eldoria with their friends. Or maybe it holds some real historical events about Eldoria? It''s been a while since I read a novel."


    He set his fork aside and opened the book, his eyes landing on the first page. The story began with a fifteen-year-old boy fleeing his home to escape his abusive father.


    Skyler''s gaze drifted down the page as he poured himself juice. Yet, as the filled cup touched his lips, he choked on his breath because he read the young boy''s name.


    He coughed violently. Even Riruru was startled. However, he assured her with a wave of his hand, his face ashen.


    "I am fine... I am fine..."


    His voice dropped to a whisper.


    "It must be a coincidence, right?"


    Skyler glanced at the book in his hand. At the end of the first page, the protagonist''s name was introduced. It was so, so eerily familiar that he had to double check.


    "Max? I never thought this name was so common nowadays."


    He fought against the rising dread, quickly flipping to the second page. But as he read more, his face started to lose color. At the end of the second page, the protagonist''s appearance was described to the readers, and Skyler''s heart hammered in his chest.


    "Golden eyes... and smooth black hair speckled with white? No way..."


    He read through the page, flipping to the next and then the next. His foot tapped the floor restlessly. Skyler was so engrossed in reading that he failed to notice how Riruru finished her food and quietly dragged his plate toward her. Well, if he didn''t want to eat, she should help him finish, right?


    His eyes widened in disbelief as familiar names from the real world, names he knew, appeared one after another in the story. He paused, his breath catching in his throat, when he read the name ''Jenny Ironhart''.


    "I don''t want to believe this... I really don''t. But this is the truth. Someone knows that before this timeline, another existed and they have compiled it into a book."


    He swallowed, flipping another page.


    "This book is written from Max''s point of view, meaning this story is what I failed to become a part of in the forgotten timeline, because I ended up in the Spirit Realm."


    Skyler didn''t stop reading. Riruru watched him silently after she was done eating. But soon, her eyelids fluttered closed, and she drifted off to sleep. He instinctively reached out to hold her head as it slumped forward.


    Carefully placing the ordinary book, which now seemed very extraordinary in his eyes, back into his storage ring, he hurriedly stood up and approached Riruru.


    Bending down, he lifted her into his arms. Then, with careful steps, carried her to the bed and laid her down. Worry flickered in his gaze as he ensured she was comfortable.


    "She''s been sleeping a lot recently. I didn''t question when I felt that her aura had grown stronger because I recalled a few images of how it happened. I just hope she isn''t sick..."


    Casting one last glance at her, he went to clean the table where they both had eaten, thinking about how he has to buy clothes, shoes, and other necessary items for her.


    After washing the dishes, he quickly sat down at the table and pulled out the book from his storage ring to continue reading.


    Heavy silence enveloped the dimly lit room, broken only by the rustle of turning pages.


    Skyler''s lips twitched when his name was mentioned in the story. Yet, a single, stark sentence summed up his destiny. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Is that all? Really? My name appeared in the story just to announce my death?"


    He slammed his hand on the table.


    "How is this fair? They didn''t even mention my handsome appearance! Wow, just wow. This is pure discrimination if nothing else!"


    He gritted his teeth and was even more furious as he read how his death did only one thing: bring Max closer to his sister.


    "Damn it! I died in a single paragraph as a mere cannon fodder, and they''re flirting?"

 Chapter 111 111: Meeting the principal I

    Skyler slumped back into the chair, his expression blank, staring into thin air. The ordinary-looking book lay open before him. He was drowning, his mind churning over the brutal reality of his death in the book.


    What aggrieved him more was that even Charles, his dear friend, had a bigger role than him in Max and his team''s story.


    So he was feeling down. The emotion he was experiencing was akin to the sting of knowing that his friend, who said he didn''t study, had gotten better marks than him.


    Skyler sighed and composed himself.


    Still, he could not help but read the part where Charles came into the story again.


    "A villain, huh? So, Charles would have turned into a villain if I hadn''t met him."


    Suddenly, he came to a standstill, his eyes widening as he recalled the messages he had seen the higher being send Zack.


    "Wait, why did the higher being known as Keeper of Time call Charles a villain?"


    Skyler straightened up, his mind racing. It didn''t take him long to connect the dots. As he did, his lips curled into an evil smile.


    "Zack knows... Haha! He knows!"


    He snorted, smirking.


    So one more person knew that another timeline existed before the one ongoing?


    "The real question is how?" sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He recalled his first encounter with Zack. Only to remember the way that man asked him to join his team as a healer, as if Zack knew he could only use Light element.


    Not to mention, there was that time in front of the Dragon cave. Instead of charging in, Zack had waited outside until Max and his team arrived. Only then did he walk out of hiding, following them like a shadow.


    "Did the Keeper of Time tell him?"


    A mischievous sparkle flickered in his eyes as another thought emerged in his head.


    "Time. There''s time in the name the Keeper of Time is using. Doesn''t that tell us he''s the one who compiled the forgotten timeline?"


    Hearing his words, even the mirrors in his subconscious stirred. The people trapped inside couldn''t believe he had deduced so much so easily. Skyler chuckled as he felt the tremor in his subconscious.


    "Very intriguing. Now, my question is just why did the Keeper of Time choose Zack? There are so many characters in the story. Why Zack? He isn''t even special and was a minor side character who harassed one of the female leads and got beaten by Max."


    He hummed, his fingers tracing the plain cover of the book, his gaze narrowing.


    "There''s definitely something about Zack that made The Keeper of Time choose him. From what I have observed so far, he''s very different from the Zack in the story."


    Skyler''s next words were faint, as if he wasn''t quite sure if he was right.


    "Is that person even ''really'' Zack?"


    It was certainly possible that he was right. If he can believe in another timeline where he became the King of Spirits, why not believe that the Zack in this timeline is different?


    "Does he remember the previous timeline? No, even if he did, he couldn''t have changed so drastically. So what''s the explanation?"


    He clicked his tongue, picking up the book. Overthinking was doing him no good. Also, he had hit his daily limit of pondering.


    "Let''s just finish reading the story. Hehe, after all, I can''t let it unfold the same way it did the first time. The protagonist needs to change. The heroines too. From what I''ve read, they were pretty lackluster as main characters. Tsk, tsk, not to mention all the women around Max are just plain crazy."


    Skyler shook his head in disapproval. The story had so many flaws. The biggest one was how Max overlooked his friends'' evil deeds, especially his female teammates.


    "One of them used and killed Charles. Now that I know this, I can''t overlook it. I need to take revenge for my friend who doesn''t even know he died! I also need to make sure he doesn''t fall for that lady in this timeline!"


    Muttering to himself, he flipped another page of the book. Then another. The sun dipped below the horizon. The day outside faded, and evening arrived, but he remained seated in his spot, lost in the pages of the book. Only when he heard a faint knocking sound at his door, did he finally stand up.


    Skyler carefully hid the book in his storage ring and opened the door. He was met with the familiar face of Vice Principal Doris, her expression betraying a hint of annoyance.


    He nervously stepped out of the room and closed the door behind him, making sure to keep Riruru''s sleeping form out of sight.


    After all, he didn''t want to imagine what would happen if the VP discovered a naked lady in his room. The worst-case scenario would be expulsion from the academy.


    "Um, what brings you here, VP?"


    Hearing him, Doris''s face hardened.


    "Do you not have your student ID? What about your phone? If you do, why haven''t you checked them? I have sent you many texts telling you to come to my office! It''s been hours, but you didn''t show up."


    Skyler''s eyes widened. He frantically pulled his phone and ID card from his storage ring, only to gasp when he saw the many missed calls from an unknown number. Even his ID card was filled with notifications, a stack of alerts piled high above his name.


    "I am sorry, Ma''am. I was resting and didn''t notice the messages! I just returned from the Battle Royal. You know how dangerous that place is, right? So, I decided to just rest. But still, why did you come yourself? You should have sent someone else to call me..."


    Skyler rattled off excuses so quickly that Doris felt her head throbbing. She quickly silenced him with a wave of her hand.


    "Stop, stop. Just follow me. The Principal wants to see you. You are the only one who has returned from the Battle Royal. The rest of the students have yet to come back."


    Skyler nodded, but he was smiling inwardly. He had a hunch that when his body wasn''t in his control inside the Battle Royal, one of the other ''him'' had tampered with the location of the Gate leading to the next level. Although he had no idea if it was even possible.


    ''Serves them right! They tried to hunt me down for taking a few treasures? As if they hadn''t done the same themselves!''


    Of course, he forgot his dear friend Charles was there too, possibly cursing him after he got the mission to find the dragon''s jewels.


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled excitedly.


    ''Now that I''m a part of this story, I might as well become the protagonist. Max can be the protagonist from the sidelines! Hehe.''


    He trailed behind Doris as she turned and began walking, his mind lost in thought. He wanted to finish reading the entire book as soon as possible! To know the ending!


    Skyler was jolted back to reality when Doris muttered a spell, conjuring a teleportation portal before them. She stepped through, and he clicked his tongue in annoyance.


    ''So the Vice principal didn''t walk to reach me? I was feeling bad for nothing. Shhh!''


    He stepped into the portal. The sensation was similar to using a teleportation device, but with a more pronounced dizziness.


    On the other side, Doris stood ready to assist him, anticipating a stumble. After all, she knew portals placed a heavier strain on the body than normal teleportation devices. Yet, to her surprise, Skyler emerged without a flicker of discomfort. It seemed the space distortion had no effect on him at all.


    ''Hmm?''


    Her eyes narrowed sharply. Lorian had informed her about how Skyler''s strength had exceeded the 5-star mark. It wouldn''t have been so surprising if it were any other student, but this was Skyler. Someone who only had 5-star potential and was a 4-star a week ago. How he increased his potential and ascended two stars in five days'' time was beyond comprehension. Since even treasures have their limits.


    Skyler felt the VP''s gaze burning into his back, but he ignored her. His attention was consumed by the room he had just entered. A dark space, filled with multiple shimmering crystals, floating around. It took every ounce of his self-control to resist the urge to simply sweep them all into his storage ring, right under the nose of the middle-aged man seated at the far end of the room.


    Seated at the only table in the room, the Principal, clad in a loose outfit, watched him silently. He removed the glasses perched on his nose and cleared his throat, noticing how Skyler''s gaze wasn''t on him, even though he exuded a heavy aura. Wen''s lips twitched as Skyler still didn''t look his way. Ultimately, he had to call out the young man''s name.


    "Skyler Ironhart, right? How about you stop looking around and sit down for a while?"

 Chapter 112 112: Meeting the principal II

    Skyler reluctantly tore his gaze away from the mesmerizing floating crystals that were calling to him to come closer. He looked at the Principal, who observed him quietly. An enthusiastic greeting escaped his lips.


    "Good evening, sir!"


    Why, you might ask? It was because the middle-aged man was clearly rich! So, he wanted to be on his best behavior. In that way, the principal would share his crystals with him when he asked for some!


    The principal''s brows furrowed. He just could not quite place this peculiar youth. Still, he quelled the youth''s enthusiasm.


    "I said sit down."


    Skyler blinked, then nodded, stepping forward. He discreetly moved one of his hands behind his back, but before he could touch a floating crystal¡ªready to steal one if he got lucky¡ªthe principal warned him.


    "Control your hand."


    His hand halted, a tight smile appeared on his face as he dejectedly moved to sit in the chair facing the middle-aged man''s table.


    ''How stingy. I just wanted one!'' Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wen noticed Skyler''s aggrieved, clear blue eyes, but he ignored him. Instead, his gaze traveled toward the Vice Principal.


    "Two elemental crystals. One golden, one dark. The golden one is at the first stage of 5-star. And the dark one is at the 6-star."


    Skyler stilled in shock. Even VP Doris was taken aback and whipped her head toward his stilled figure. Wen continued.


    "Doris, if I recall correctly, you said he has formed only one crystal? Was I mistaken?"


    The VP zoomed toward Skyler''s figure so fast that he didn''t even notice when the old woman seized his collar. Her hand settled on top of his heart, leaving him horrified. A shocked voice escaped her lips.


    "Impossible! How...?"


    She met Skyler''s startled gaze. Her mind urged her to study his body. But before she could use her insight, the Principal grabbed her hand with a solemn gaze.


    "Don''t. He is too young and weak. The power of your ??? will destroy his body."


    Skyler gasped as Doris released him.


    He felt as if he had escaped death!


    ''This old hag! And did the principal just mention the power of her earned title?''


    Wen smiled apologetically at him.


    Skyler felt goosebumps rise on his skin. He had to leave! These two were dangerous!


    However, he changed his mind instantly upon hearing the Principal''s next words.


    "Forgive Doris. She didn''t mean any harm. How about I give you elemental crystals as an apology? The ones floating here help me maintain normal body temperature..."


    Wen wasn''t even able to finish his words, and the ash-brown haired young man was back in his seat, smiling excitedly as if he had won a lottery or something.


    Skyler held out his hand, shamelessly.


    "I will accept the Principal apology. I don''t want anything in return, but since you''re so insistent, I wouldn''t refuse. How about sir give me 90% of the crystals in this room?"


    Wen wanted to cough up blood. This kid. He just gave him an inch and he wanted a mile? How preposterous!


    "Definitely no. Not the ones in this room. They aren''t ordinary elemental crystals. Do you even know how much they cost?"


    He waved his hand and a pouch filled with small golden crystals fell in front of Skyler.


    "There. These should do it, right?"


    Wen''s eyebrow twitched when Skyler''s face fell, revealing a distinct lack of interest in the crystals. He scoffed inwardly. The kid still wasn''t satisfied? How greedy.


    The principal had noticed from the instant the ash-brown haired youth arrived here, his eyes were fixed on the crystals. Even during their conversation, Skyler''s gaze wandered to the floating crystals many times secretly, as if the crystals were the most precious treasures he had ever laid eyes on.


    He rubbed his chin thoughtfully.


    ''An obsession? Interesting.''


    On the other hand, even though Skyler wasn''t satisfied, he stored the crystals he got in his storage ring. After all, elemental crystals were also used as currency.


    Skyler glanced at the principal, ignoring Doris who was watching him like a hawk.


    "Sir, why did you suddenly call me here? I doubt it''s to harm me. Starlight Academy has a reputation to uphold, after all."


    Wen leaned back in his chair.


    "I was curious about the youth who had accomplished something unheard of. But now that I have seen you, I believe you are not ordinary at all. Care to explain how you became a 6-star so quickly? What treasures did you consume? Your luck might be very good if you have found so many treasures that could elevate one''s potential."


    Skyler chuckled, but inwardly he was sweating bullets. Fortunately, he hadn''t created his space element crystal yet. Or else, he was certain the principal wouldn''t have stopped Doris at all when she tried to check his body! Who knows, the principal might have even wanted to dissect him to figure out how he got another affinity!


    Still, it was time to spin a yarn and get himself out of this mess so he could get back to Riruru. His mind whirred, and he carefully crafted a believable story.


    "Sir, you flatter me... I did stumble upon some treasures, but it was all thanks to a unique mission I found in the first level of Battle Royal. The reward of that mission boosted my strength and potential."


    Wen''s eyes widened, and his demeanor immediately shifted. He leaned forward, a flicker of shock crossing his features.


    A faint light pulsed in his dark eyes as he secretly activated his lie detection skill.


    "A mission...? In the first level of Battle Royal? And you completed that mission?"


    Skyler nodded with a strained smile. Well, he did, in a way, complete some missions that helped him earn a lot of points. It was just that he didn''t know anything about them.


    After all, it was one of his other selves who completed those special missions while he was unconscious. This lie was the most believable he could use currently.


    Wen sucked in a deep breath as his lie detection skill confirmed Skyler was telling the truth. Still, he couldn''t believe it. No one had ever found a mission in the first level of Battle Royal, and this kid was telling him he not only found one but also completed it?


    "Can you tell me just what mission it was? Where did you find it? Did you encounter a resident of the Battle Royal? Or a guide?"


    Skyler''s head snapped back and forth, his mind giving him a final idea to end this lie.


    "I can''t tell you. Even if I tried to, I wouldn''t be able to. It''s like how we can''t say the true purpose of the Battle Royal in the outside world. I can''t mention the mission."


    Wen and Doris stared at Skyler, their jaws slack with disbelief. A special mission with a secret origin...? Their eyes met, and a silent understanding passed between them.


    It seemed this youth had stumbled upon a chain mission, a rare find that told the finder to find and complete multiple other missions related to the first one, available in the higher levels of Battle Royal, until they find its end.


    That was the only explanation.


    Wen nodded at Doris, indicating that his lie detection skill couldn''t detect any falsehood in Skyler''s words. He was telling the truth.


    They had to nurture him, for if he had truly found a chain mission, he could achieve a lot if he completed even a third of it.


    Skyler watched their silent interaction, a giddy grin spreading across his face.


    ''Hehe, I knew it. I can bullshit my way out of anything. Thank you 505, trying to get you to work for me has made me so amazing.''


    Meanwhile, 505, who was engrossed in a lively conversation within the system chat group, felt a shiver run down its circuits. The sensitive system just couldn''t shake off the feeling that someone was speaking ill of it.


    But despite scanning its surroundings, it couldn''t find the source of the negativity.


    Ultimately, it started accusing the other systems. Completely sure they were the ones bad-mouthing it secretly! Because it had jumped a level thanks to its host and become a 2nd level powerful system!


    Unaware of 505''s keen intuition, Skyler attempted to get the principal''s attention.


    "Sir, is there anything else? If not, can I leave? Riruru is waiting for me.


    Wen cleared his throat. His eyes were now softer than before. Even his demeanor had shifted to friendly as he met his gaze.


    "Sure, you can leave now. But don''t leave the academy. The government''s keeping an eye on this place because of Moore."


    Skyler nodded and glanced at Doris. She was the one who brought him here, so she should send him back too. No way he would walk back to his room. Doris''s lips twitched, but she muttered a spell quickly and formed a teleportation portal for him to leave.


    Casting one reluctant glance at the many floating crystals around, he turned and left.


    ''I will come back soon to get them!''


    As he vanished, Wen looked at Doris.


    "Keep an eye on him. Help and support him if he needs it in the academy. Maybe he will gain a powerful title despite his weak start."

 Chapter 113 113: How are you here? I

    Inside the first level of Battle Royal, Zack stood atop a towering mountain. His silver gaze was clouded with a dark intensity.


    "Where did the Gate in this level go?"


    He growled, his voice low and edgy.


    Yet no response came.


    Zack whirled around, his frustration boiling over. He lashed out at a nearby boulder, his boot connecting with a resounding crack.


    The boulder shattered into tiny pieces, and lightning current flashed around his body.


    "Ughh! Where is the Keeper of Time?"


    He roared, his voice raw with frustration.


    "That old bastard is always around when I don''t need him, but now that I need him, he has vanished! Useless good-for-nothing!"


    As Zack muttered curses under his breath, his gaze fell upon a familiar figure. A young man with gray hair and black eyes devoid of emotions. His clothes were blood-soaked.


    "Charles?"


    He whispered. What surprised him more was the gray-colored small box floating in front of Charles'' running figure, guiding him to an unknown place. Zack concealed his aura and quickly followed behind him, his eyes fixed on the glowing square box.


    "Is that what I think it is??"


    His heart hammered in his chest.


    No way, no freaking way!


    "What in the world is a ''Compass of Divine Quests'' doing here? That hidden piece was only found after the 20th level!"


    Zack ducked behind a boulder just as Charles turned his head back, sighing.


    ''I must say his intuition is incredible. Tsk, that''s why I liked his character so much. If only he hadn''t fallen for the wrong woman, he could have accomplished so much.''


    Across from him, Charles'' eyes narrowed. He was wearing dark gauntlets bearing the symbol of wind, etched onto their surface. A powerful, unique, Epic-tier wind weapon, he discovered thanks to the map.


    Finding no one, he turned and resumed following the floating square box again. It was something he had found accidentally, buried underneath some old, broken, dusty weapons that no one would even touch.


    Yet, the instant he touched it, it began to float in the air, guiding him somewhere.


    He had no idea where the box was taking him, but he had been following it for three hours, but it showed no sign of stopping.


    Along the way, he had fought a group of humans who wanted to steal it from him. The blood on his clothes served as a stark reminder of the battles he had endured.


    "I nearly died...!"


    He muttered under his breath. But as he remembered the special mission, ''Find the Dragon Jewels,'' he had received a few days ago, he was sure what he went through was nothing in comparison to his crazy friend who had stolen from a literal dragon!


    Charles''s eyes drifted toward the mission screen he had been ignoring. It floated at the edge of his gaze, a nagging reminder.


    "That jerk actually did what he said."


    He muttered with a shudder.


    "I am just thankful he didn''t find me like he said he would. Seeing that mission pop up so suddenly sent chills down my spine."


    As a matter of fact, he even considered going into hiding. No way in hell was he getting involved with a freaking Dragon!


    Skyler was his friend, but Charles didn''t follow that crazy jerk''s motto of, ''Friends should always suffer together!''


    He scoffed with a rare smile.


    "One should suffer the consequences of their own actions! Why involve others?"


    A while later, Charles came to a halt, his breath catching in his throat as he reached the precipice of the mountain''s peak. One more step and he would have fallen.


    He frantically reached out to grab the box to prevent it from going further. But before he could reach it, the box stopped floating and plummeted down the mountain peak. Under Charles''s eyes, it vanished into the thin air that distorted faintly, like water.


    "The heck!"


    He cursed under his breath, watching the space where the small box had vanished.


    "Do I need to jump down? No. If I didn''t vanish into the space like the box, I would die if I fell from such a height."


    Charles looked around. His gaze stopped on a rock nearby. Picking it up, he tossed it at the very space where the box vanished.


    His eyes brightened when he saw the rock vanish into the air, which rippled faintly.


    "It worked. Is there a hidden portal before me? One that''s invisible to the naked eye?" S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Regardless, he was still reluctant to jump down, wondering what if the secret space only sucked in non-living objects?


    He turned back, and after a short while, returned with a struggling weak monster in his grasp. He tossed it down the mountain. His hesitation finally faded as he saw the monster vanish into the space as well.


    "It works on living things as well."


    Taking a deep breath, Charles steeled his resolve and leaped. His heart hammered in his chest. As the air pressure pressed in, he squeezed his eyes shut, prepared to use his elemental power if he plummeted down.


    But thankfully, the anticipated fall never came. Instead, his body vanished into air, and his feet landed solidly on the ground.


    On the other hand, Zack, who had been watching him silently, panicked at the sight of Charles leaping from the mountain. He instantly burst from his hiding spot.


    "Is he trying to kill himself? Charles isn''t even a 10-star! So I know he can''t fly!"


    His eyes scanned the spot where Charles had vanished, and then he recalled what he had witnessed moments before the jump.


    "Why was he throwing small rocks down? He even threw a struggling monster."


    Zack''s eyes narrowed.


    He recalled the small box before Charles had vanished suddenly. But he had thought it left in a direction Charles could no longer follow. Now it seemed he was wrong.


    He took out an old blade from his storage ring and tossed it down the mountain. And as he expected, it vanished into the space.


    "Interesting. Let''s jump down then."


    Without a moment''s hesitation, he stepped back and launched himself off the mountain.


    As Zack plummeted downward, he felt his body pass through a thin layer of Evol. After that, he landed within a vast chamber, lit up by a faint glow emanating from the ceiling. He looked up and could see the precipice from which he had fallen, now so far away against the backdrop of the clear sky.


    "Such a place was never mentioned in the story. Max never found a place like this."


    He rushed forward at the sound of a gasp, only to pause upon taking in the chamber.


    Multiple broken marble statues and torn murals were scattered around the floor. The air was thick with the scent of an eerie dark Evol and a faint hint of human blood.


    Charles stood in the center of it all, his grim eyes conveying that whatever had occurred in the chamber had nothing to do with him.


    Seeing the scene, Zack retreated into the shadows and inhaled a shuddering breath.


    "Who destroyed those statues?"


    He whispered, his voice barely audible. But he didn''t have to look for an answer because he found ''who'' when Charles began walking and reached the end of the chamber.


    There, countless stone chairs were lined up in straight rows. All were empty, save for the one in the center. Above it, etched in gold, floated an eerily familiar name.


    "Skyler Ironhart..."


    Zack clamped his mouth shut as Charles whipped his head back, alerted by the faint noise. But even as he stifled his own sound, Zack couldn''t believe what he had just seen. Skyler had found this place before them! Not only that, he had even left his name behind!


    "Does that mean the many statues, which still radiated a hint of power even when they are broken, were defeated by Skyler?"


    He shook his head, unable to accept the absurd possibility. Skyler wasn''t that strong. How could he possess the power to destroy so many statues and survive?


    "Where is he right now?"


    Zack was pulled out of his thoughts as a familiar screen flashed before him.


    #Keeper of Time: I left because there was a big emergency. I don''t know who, but a fool stole the book I left in the academy library. I have confirmed it''s gone. We need to find it! It has the previous timeline I compiled!


    Zack''s face lost all color.


    "Which book? Don''t tell me it''s the same book I''m thinking about? Are you crazy?! Why did you leave it at the academy?"


    Another screen flashed in front of him.


    #Keeper of Time: It''s because I can''t touch that book. I can only move it with my power.


    Zack laughed, but before he could unleash a torrent of ill curses upon the Keeper of Time, Charles'' familiar voice echoed beside him


    "How are you here?"


    He whipped his head to the side and saw Charles'' guarded dark eyes staring at him.

 Chapter 114 114: How are you here? II

    "I..."


    Zack straightened, his gaze nonchalant. Though Charles had found him, he wasn''t worried. He was the stronger, and he had also decided to disregard the storyline.


    Thanks to Skyler, everything had gone to hell. He wasn''t naive enough to think the story would unfold as written with such a significant variable entering the picture.


    Charles'' fate had also been dramatically altered. He, who should have met a tragic end, had not only entered the academy but also the Battle Royal, a place he was never meant to enter after the preliminary test.


    Actually, there were good reasons Zack wanted to follow the original storyline. The most important of them was that he wanted Max to do the same as he did in the original storyline because there were certain things only the protagonist could do in this world.


    Like being chosen by a fallen god to wield the Legendary Blade of Aethel, forged from the fragment of a dying star, which granted its wielder unparalleled power and the only blade that can kill the old immortals ruling above the 50th level of Battle Royal.


    That''s why he made every effort to not interfere with the original story too much.


    Even when he did, he only meddled with things that were only mentioned briefly, or that he was dissatisfied with in the story.


    Yet, the story had gone downhill.


    All because of a single individual who had vanished to who knows where after waking a dragon who never woke up in the story.


    Even the Gate supposed to send them to the next level in this level was missing.


    Considering all this, he was sure that the story wouldn''t follow its intended path. The fact that Max, who was supposed to leave the first level of Battle Royal in a week with his team, was still around solidified this.


    So why should he follow the original story? There was no need when everything was already a mess even when he did nothing.


    Zack''s lips curled upward as he stared at Charles, who was waiting for his answer.


    "I followed you. That''s how I''m here."


    Charles''s expression hardened. His brows furrowed slightly. He had not expected Zack to admit so blatantly that he followed him. He took a defensive stance, ready to fight.


    "I will not ask why. I know anyone would be intrigued after seeing someone following a floating box. Just tell me this, do you want to fight? I will not back down if you do."


    Zack raised his hand in surrender. His eyes sparkled with mischief. He always wanted Charles to join his team. That''s why he had even gone to look for him. How about he steal this fine teammate from Skyler?


    "No, I do not want to fight. I just wanted to see where the box was leading you. We are classmates, how about we get along? It would be even better if we teamed up."


    His smile stiffened when his offer was rejected without a hint of hesitation.


    "No thanks. I like traveling alone."


    Charles retracted his aura, sensing his opponent''s disinterest in a fight. To be honest, he didn''t want to fight either.


    Because unlike the people he had faced before, Zack exuded a chilling presence, even without releasing his aura. Such an opponent was the most dangerous.


    Charles took a step back, a gesture of peace, his gray eyes fixed on Zack.


    "Do whatever you want."


    He said, his voice calm.


    "There''s only one rule I''m setting: the one who finds the treasure, gets to keep it."


    Zack sighed, giving Charles an okay sign. Then watched as Charles walked towards the chairs at the far end of the chamber.


    "He''s not friendly. Just like how he was described in the story. Cold and sharp."


    He muttered, only to curse next.


    "Damn it, then how the hell did Skyler befriend this emotionless ice block?" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Clicking his tongue, he stepped out of the shadows and approached the chairs. His eyes once again took in the golden name floating above the chair in the center.


    "Skyler Ironhart."


    Hearing him, Charles gave him a look. He shifted away when Zack''s footsteps came to a stop next to him. A knowing smile flickered in Zack''s silver eyes as he pointed his finger toward the floating golden name.


    "You know Skyler, right? You both entered the academy together. How do you think he found this place and left behind his name?"


    He had just finished his words when a familiar screen flickered before him.


    #Keeper of Time: This place...?!!?


    Zack''s eyes narrowed at the exclamation marks. He couldn''t speak to the Keeper of Time before Charles. Fortunately, he didn''t have to speak because the Keeper of Time gave him the full details the next second.


    #Keeper of Time: I thought one could only find it after they had gone beyond level 50. It''s linked to one of the weak higher realms. You can get a pass to enter the ''Mythic Trial of Fighters,'' which occurs every hundred years, by sitting on any of the chairs.


    Zack''s eyes widened. The Mythic Trial of Fighters? The one Max was invited to join after slaying his first immortal?


    He can get a pass to enter that place, the one that grants the reward of two lives as long as you have passed the trial?


    Holy! He always wanted to enter that trial, but he had dismissed the thought because in the original story, only Max was invited to join the trial. It was never mentioned again once the protagonist returned victorious!


    "One of the chairs is mine!"


    Zack declared, interrupting Charles, who was about to reply to his earlier question.


    Then, all of a sudden, he rushed forward excitedly and sat down on the chair next to the one where Skyler''s name floated. In an instant, a gray light enveloped his body.


    Charles stood in stunned silence, watching as the gray light around Zack coalesced and formed a golden pendant with a mark of two crossed swords, suspended before Zack.


    "A treasure?"


    With that thought, he also hastily settled down in one of the empty chairs. But unlike Zack, he chose to sit farthest away from the chair where Skyler''s name floated.


    A similar light enveloped him, forming the golden pendant. Charles reached out and grabbed the pendant. The instant he did, a notification flashed before his eyes.


    ("Congratulations Host!


    You have found a pass to enter the ''Mythic Trial of Fighters''. Further information will be shared with you when the trial, held in the higher realm, is opened to the outsiders.")


    Charles rose to his feet.


    "It''s not a treasure..."


    He looked at the pendant and wondered if Skyler knew about the trial somehow. After all, he had defeated so many statues in this chamber just to obtain it. His gaze flickered toward Zack, who had also stood up.


    "You know what this thing is. Or else you wouldn''t have been so eager to sit down."


    Zack chuckled and joined him.


    "I do. But I won''t tell you."


    Charles scoffed and turned away.


    He would find out eventually.


    There was no point in asking this person if he didn''t want to tell him. Not to mention, he barely even knew Zack except for the fact that he had seen him at the academy.


    Charles began searching for another exit in the chamber. He couldn''t fly, so he wouldn''t be able to leave the way he came in. Yet, a vein flared on his forehead when the other man followed behind him with a smirk.


    "I can tell you on one condition. How about you join me and we form a team? I am sure we can find the exit of this level together."


    Charles'' reply didn''t change.


    "No thank you. I am fine alone."


    Zack shook his head with a calm look. But inwardly, he was cursing the Keeper of Time, who was having a lot of fun laughing at him for being rejected for the second time.


    "This place is dangerous. A teammate is what you need. And I know you can''t fly. I can help you leave the chamber."


    Charles paused in his steps.


    "What do you really want? Why are you so insistent on becoming my teammate? You are stronger than me. So what do you gain from making me join your team?"


    Zack blinked, his smile fading. Charles was right, but he didn''t know what Zack knew.


    ''I want you to join my team because you have potential. Potential that was wasted due to a woman in the original timeline.''


    He sighed and stopped pestering Charles. Well, it seems he wouldn''t be able to steal a teammate from Skyler. Not so easily.


    "Okay. Don''t join me. Still here..."


    He tossed a talisman toward Charles, who caught it instinctively. Charles examined the talisman with furrowed brows. He could tell it was expensive, even though he had never studied anything about talismans.


    "What is this for?"


    Zack took out another talisman.


    "Pour your Evol into it and..."


    He poured his Evol into the talisman, and with a flash, it exploded into tiny particles. The air around him quivered, and then, just like that, Zack vanished. Charles stared at the remnants of the floating particles before glancing at the talisman in his hand.


    "A space-type talisman that even those who have no affinity with the space element can use? This is definitely worth a lot."


    He glanced around the vast chamber one more time. Now, three of the many chairs had golden names floating above them.


    "How did Skyler manage to defeat so many statues? Well, if he could go into a dragon layer and steal, he could do this as well."


    Shaking his head with a wry smile, Charles used the talisman in his hand and vanished.


    He arrived at another location a distance away and began to roam again. Everything was fine, but after that encounter with Zack, for some reason, that man started following him around. Even when Charles tried to get rid of him, he wouldn''t leave him alone.

 Chapter 115 115: They all died??

    Unaware of the unfolding events in the Battle Royal, Skyler returned to his room. Riruru had transformed back to her snake form, even though she was still asleep.


    After finishing his dinner, he climbed onto the bed and woke her up to eat something. She did, but drifted back to sleep. Sighing, he settled down beside her, leaning against the headboard as he pulled out the familiar book he wanted to so eagerly read whole.


    Outside, the evening bled into night, dark clouds gathered in the sky, filled with stars. Yet, the only sound in Skyler''s room was the faint rhythmic turning of the pages. He read all night, but just as the first ray of sunlight hit the distant horizon, announcing the start of the next day, he roughly threw the book in his hand toward the opposite wall.


    "Bullshit!! They all died?? Died??"


    He was so loud that even Riruru''s eyes snapped open in alarm, ready to attack. As the pair of crimson eyes turned to Skyler in annoyance, he clamped his mouth shut. A bit guilty to have disturbed her sleep.


    "Sorry..."


    Riruru''s eyes flickered with amusement at the face he was making. Skyler''s blue eyes widened when her Evol invaded his senses. He didn''t fight it and let the icy Evol in, only to hear a familiar soft voice in his head.


    ''It''s okay. No need... sorry.''


    Skyler''s eyes lit up, and he scoped the snake in his arms with a mirthful chuckle.


    "You can communicate telepathically now! That''s amazing! How are you becoming so awesome each passing day? But you still need more practice to talk properly."


    Riruru was startled by his excitement, but she didn''t dislike it. Instead, she slipped out of his hands and circled his body before her head slumped down on his shoulder. Skyler stifled a laugh at the tickling sensation.


    "Shhhh, you enjoy touching me, don''t you? Is it because my body is warmer? Still, you shouldn''t; you''re a lady. It''s inappropriate."


    He cleared his throat, shamelessly.


    "But honestly, I don''t mind."


    She blinked confusedly, and Skyler turned his head away. It was one thing when Riruru was in her snake form, but if she were to do what she just did in her gorgeous human form, it would be delightful torture. Truly.


    "Hehe..."


    A mischievous laugh slipped from his lips, as a blue aura slipped out of his body. But before it could manifest or spread further, he waved his hand to dispel his thoughts.


    "What am I thinking? How can I think like that about my dear Riruru? Shame on me! She''s young in terms of mental age!"


    One of the two figures in the mirrors inside his subconscious nearly came out in anger as they felt the presence of the warm aura. This bastard was awakening his race! But due to his dirty mind! How preposterous!


    Fortunately, it was stopped by the other.


    Skyler eyed the book he had tossed earlier. His good mood once again dampened.


    "Just how can a story be so bad? The ending... it was the worst I have ever read. I can''t let that ending pass. Eldoria can''t be obliterated. I need to change the future."


    He glanced at Riruru, caressing her head.


    "You will help me, right? I wanted to be the greatest Light in Eldoria from the start. So how can I let my planet be destroyed?"


    Skyler checked the time and left the bed. It was time to take action. He had to change the story and stop Max and his team from repeating the foolish mistakes they made.


    "They became the servants of the Gods. The same Gods who were betting on their lives and success for mere amusement. That''s the biggest mistake they made."


    He shook his head as he walked over to pick up the book he had tossed earlier. A wave of sadness washed over him.


    "The Jenny I read about, I didn''t know her. What happened to the older sister I knew? Why did she change so much? Was it due to the desire to stand by Max''s side?"


    He crouched down with a laugh.


    "I hate it that what angers me the most is that after becoming so different, so cruel, you gave up your life to save others."


    Riruru noticed the gloomy air around him and consoled him by touching his face. He muttered a thanks but couldn''t help it.


    He felt angry thinking about what would have happened to his mom and dad when even their daughter left them after him.


    "They would have been devastated..."


    Skyler sighed and stood up. There was still a lot of time. Fortunately, he had uncovered so much before it was far too late. Now, he, their good son, would change everything. Yes, he would do everything to save this planet and make sure their foolish daughter won''t die. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although he intended to make Jenny suffer for being so annoying, he knew his parents wouldn''t be able to bear it if she died.


    "I now know how a second timeline came into being. Max reversed the time. He used the ''Wheel of Time'' after everyone perished, sacrificing his own life in the process."


    Suddenly, a cold voice echoed in his mind. It wasn''t Riruru''s. It was raspy and hoarse, as if the speaker was enduring great pain.


    ''Why are you being so confident?''


    Skyler raised an eyebrow.


    "You can communicate with me now? Is it because my body has become stronger? As for being confident, what''s wrong with that? I was born confident! Now that I''ve decided to intervene, I won''t stop at anything."


    Silence followed. Of course, the two figures inside the mirrors in his subconscious were speechless. They couldn''t help but wonder, were they also this brazen in their youth? If so, that was a very embarrassing past they never wanted to remember or recall.


    Skyler glanced at the book in his hand. He had read it. So, what should he do with it? If anyone else got hold of it, especially the wrong person, it would be dangerous.


    "Should I destroy it?"


    He muttered. His memory was good, so reading the book once was enough for him to remember all the main events and things he thought were important in the story.


    Yet, before he could move to burn the book, a familiar dark aura came out of his fingers, and the book vanished into thin air.


    "Huh?"


    He tried to communicate with the two figures in his subconscious to know where the book had gone, but no response came. Not even when he bombarded them with questions.


    "They are me, but annoying. I would have gotten rid of them if they weren''t useful."


    Riruru blinked and watched him. She had no idea who he was talking to. She understood some of his speech, but that was it.


    Skyler swiftly deposited Riruru onto the bed and hurried into the bathroom. After a quick bath, he changed into his academy uniform.


    As he came out with damp hair, he chuckled to find Riruru sitting in front of the bathroom instead of on the bed where he had left her.


    "Just what are you doing here?"


    He wanted to comment that if she had been peeking, but stopped himself, remembering that she was no longer an ordinary snake.


    Picking her up, he hurried out of his room.


    A day had gone by since his return from the Battle Royal, and he should join his classes.


    Not only that, but Skyler also needed to do some treasure hunting in the Academy. The treasures that Max and his team unearthed inside the academy were ripe for the taking. How could he ignore all the good loot? His luck was bad. But now that he knew where the treasures were, it was a non-issue!


    "I need to become popular, too! If I want to participate in the main events and alter the future, I can''t have no influence here. I need to be involved in everything! I am already four long years behind the main cast!"


    The students of Elite Class A, who hadn''t entered the Battle Royal, were all shocked when Skyler walked into the first class.


    A wave of hushed whispers rippled through the room as everyone turned to stare at him. Even the professors were stunned to notice him. Skyler, however, remained unfazed.


    He attended all his classes for the day. The best moment of the day was when Professor Sinclair commended him in class for coming back alive from such a dangerous place, and Skyler accepted the praise without a hint of modesty. He knew he was awesome.


    The other students: "..."


    As soon as his classes were finished, he rushed to the nearest library to learn spells.


    The librarian was sleeping when he entered the library. The other students were minding their own business. He roamed around and checked all the towering bookshelves.


    Yet, he couldn''t find a single spell book. So, he had to wake up the librarian, who jolted out of his chair at the sudden interruption.


    Skyler stifled a chuckle as the young man in robes fell from his chair. The man cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure, and glared at him, clearly flustered by the fall.


    "What do you want?"


    He rolled his eyes, infuriated, as the ash-brown haired youth blinked innocently.


    "I want to know where I can find the spell books. I''m a new student, so I''m not sure."


    The young man frowned. It was common knowledge in the academy where the spell books were kept, yet this kid was clueless.


    Well, he was indeed a new face.


    If only the librarian knew this new face was one of the students who entered the Battle Royal but had returned so soon, he would have treated him with the utmost respect.


    "Use the stairs and go up to the second floor. You will find the spell books there."

 Chapter 116 116: Learning new spells

    Skyler was greeted by another floor filled with bookshelves, albeit fewer and smaller, as he arrived on the 2nd floor of the library. Looking around, he saw that unlike the first floor, there were multiple librarians on the 2nd floor keeping an eye on the students.


    An old woman in a loose-fitting dress noticed him and hurried to his side.


    "Student, tell me your affinities. Or, what element spell books are you looking for? I will guide you to that section."


    Skyler met the old woman''s gaze. It looks like the academy had strict rules regarding the availability of spell books. This wasn''t surprising because he knew spell books were restricted everywhere online.


    Even when a rogue Light put them up for sale on Star-Net, the government instantly took them down or bought them. It was so no villain could buy or use them.


    A thoughtful look crossed his face.


    "I want to check the section with Light element spells. The Darkness too."


    The old woman raised a skeptical brow.


    It was rare to see someone with an affinity for both Light and Darkness. After all, they were opposing forces. Still, she nodded.


    "Okay, give me your student ID. You can take it back when you leave. Also, phones are not allowed on this floor or higher."


    Skyler complied, then trailed behind her as she turned and started walking, explaining the rules of the second floor to him.


    "You can check any spell available on this floor. There are no restrictions, except that you can''t take any of them out of here. Pick any spell to learn, but when you are leaving, hand it over to the counter with your name. So, when you come back you can continue learning that spell from where you left off."


    She halted before a row of bookshelves marked with the words ''Light element.''


    "After all, it sometimes takes a month for students to learn even a single easy spell."


    The woman turned to him.


    "Lastly, feel free to ask for help from the elders here if you find yourself struggling. We are here to help or guide you."


    Skyler nodded, though inwardly he didn''t think learning spells was that hard.


    He had long since realized that the spell language came rather naturally to him.


    Perhaps it was because his instincts still held traces of his life as the King of Spirits who learned numerous powerful spells? He really couldn''t think of any other reason.


    Regardless, what he wanted to know from the old woman was something different.


    "Um, I will keep everything in mind, ma''am. There''s just one more thing. Up to what tier of spells can I find on this floor?"


    The old woman chuckled at his question.


    "Young man, you have just come here and haven''t even learned a single spell, yet you are already looking for high-tier spells?"


    She shook her head, smiling.


    What an ambitious youth.


    Yet, the old woman knew very well that his ambition wouldn''t last long. He wouldn''t be able to grasp any spells above Novice tier easily, let alone any tier above Novice.


    "Anyway, to answer your question, this floor contains spells up to Epic tier. For spells of higher tiers, you will need to go above."


    Skyler''s eyes lit up. Seeing the obvious glint in his gaze, the woman understood what he was thinking and quickly stopped him. She let out a sigh, seeing his crestfallen face.


    "You won''t be allowed to enter the 3rd floor or above. Students need to pay to enter the third and fourth floor in libraries here. I saw your student ID card has a zero balance."


    He let out a faint ''Oh'' and gave a reluctant glance toward the stairs leading to the 3rd floor before moving to check the spells in the section the woman had brought him.


    The old woman left him alone.


    Other elders noticed him, but their eyes were more attracted to the beautiful snake trying to get his attention as he scanned multiple scrolls and books one by one.


    Skyler''s ears twitched, catching the faint, mocking chuckles of the students around him. They whispered amongst themselves, calling him an idiot for trying to pick out a suitable spell on his own. Instead of asking for help from the elders, he was scanning the books as if he truly understood them.


    Skyler clicked his tongue and ignored the annoying noise. He focused intently on the scroll in his grasp. After a while, he finally found a particularly good healing spell.


    _______


    Rejuvenating Touch: (Adept tier)


    A spell that draws on the caster''s Light Evol to heal injuries and restore health. It can only be used by touching the target. This spell is exclusive to Light elementists.


    _______


    He quickly returned the remaining scrolls and books to their shelves, then settled on the ground to study the healing spell. After only ten minutes, he was done. A satisfied smile played on his lips as he returned the scroll and began searching for new spells.


    This time, he decided to focus on locating attack and defense type Light spells. The next spell he found was an offensive one.


    _______


    Light Spear Shower: (Epic tier)


    A Light spell that conjures spears of pure, condensed light Evol. They surge out from behind the caster with fast speed, piercing through enemy defenses to deal damage. Upon impact, they explode into fragments, inflicting damage to all the nearby enemies. This spell is exclusive to Light elementists.


    ________


    This time, Skyler took about half an hour to learn the spell. It was because it was difficult and a higher tier one. He even got confused at some points, but fortunately, he figured them out after rereading them a few times. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Next, he looked for a good defense spell for his Light element. Unfortunately, his search yielded disappointing results. All the options available were Novice tier. Even those were very weak and limited to creating temporary shields or barriers around the caster.


    "I guess I will look for a good defense type spell in the Darkness element category."


    He caressed Riruru''s head. She had been trying to get his attention for the past hour, only to give up when she failed. An amused chuckle escaped his lips at the huffing and puffing snake who refused to look at him.


    Then, Skyler hurried to find the section with Darkness spells. As he scanned the space, his eyes were attracted to the bookshelves engraved with the words, ''Space element.'' That area had the fewest spells available.


    ''Ah, I want to learn a space element spell so badly. Especially teleportation. I will sneak to that section when no one''s looking.''


    He soon found the section that contained spells related to the Darkness element. His eyes wandered from one book to another. A minute later, he noticed an old scroll placed on the upper shelf. He reached out and took the scroll out before unfurling it. His eyes lit up when he read the spell description.


    It was exactly what he wanted!


    __________


    Shadow Shroud: (Epic Tier)


    A Darkness element spell that envelops the caster in a shroud of shadows. The shroud acts as a strong barrier, absorbing incoming attacks and converting them into dark Evol. The caster can then unleash this Evol as a devastating blast, dealing major damage to all enemies within a radius. This spell is exclusive to Darkness elementists.


    __________


    Skyler settled down against the bookshelf with the scroll. The spell was both defensive and offensive in nature. A very good find. He read all the details and began understanding the language, unaware that the old woman who had left him earlier was watching him.


    She had no idea what was going on with him. To her, he seemed to do nothing but flip through books and scrolls. She approached him from the left side and secretly peeked to see which spell he was studying, only to sigh when she saw just how complex it was.


    Believing he would eventually ask for her assistance, she stood beside him, waiting for him to make a move. To her surprise, he never sought her help. He was so absorbed that he didn''t even notice her presence.


    ''What a presumptuous student.''


    She sighed, leaving him alone but keeping a watchful eye. After an hour, Skyler was done learning the spell. His eyes sparkled.


    "This one was hard, but the best one. Now that I have learned it, I just need to advance my mastery so it can increase in tier."


    Laughing to himself, he secretly made his way toward the section that held the space element spells. The old woman, keeping an eye on him, followed his movement with her gaze and frowned when she noticed him entering the space element spell section.


    "Does he even have an affinity for the space element, or is he just here to cause trouble?"


    She shook her head in disappointment, completely misunderstanding that he was one of those who only entered the library to mess around. She decided to not focus on him anymore. That''s how Skyler easily got his hand on a good space element spell.

 Chapter 117 117: Stealing the MCs treasures I

    In the dead of night, Professor Noire''s expression twisted in displeasure as he stared at the youth standing before him.


    Clad in his nightwear, his ugly expression made him look like a devil ready to erupt any second, standing on the rooftop of one of the tallest buildings at the academy. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Leave right now!!"


    He bellowed at the youth, but Skyler merely blinked. Skyler was not in the least bit guilty for disturbing Noire''s sleep so late at night. A while ago, after leaving the library, Skyler''s first act was to scroll through the available missions he could see on his student ID.


    That led him here. Naturally, he didn''t care that the time had long passed 1:00 AM.


    Skyler fixed his gaze on the professor, his calm eyes betraying nothing. Even now, the latter appeared so prim and proper that he felt an urge to mess with him more. He still remembered the way Professor Hawthorne and Professor Noire had welcomed him on his first day at the academy. It was a very unpleasant experience, to say the least.


    He held out his student ID card.


    "Sir, I''m here to complete a mission I''ve already accepted. Let me enter the Novice tier crystal behind you. The mission details say any student can enter and kill the boss monster inside, as long as they are above 5 stars. I have zero stars on my ID. I need to earn my fee. How can you stop me from completing a mission in the academy?"


    Professor Noire''s eyebrow twitched. He gritted his teeth. His residence was within the building on whose rooftop they stood. It was his door that was knocked when Skyler arrived at the rooftop so late, demanding to enter the crystal floating above the building. Even though the five students guarding the crystal had already turned him away.


    "You''re talking about mission details with me? You? Why don''t you discuss the details that state a party of five students is required to enter any crystal within the academy?"


    Noire raked Skyler from head to toe, his displeased gaze flickering with disdain.


    "Look at yourself! You''re not even wearing any decent equipment! If you end up dead in there, I will lose my job! Do you really think I don''t know that a lot of people are watching your every move currently?"


    Skyler raised a brow. So, this man has a good network within the starlight academy? He already knew that Skyler was one of the students who had entered the Battle Royal recently, yet the sole one who had returned. And the fact that both the government and the principal were keeping watch over him.


    But would that make Skyler back down?


    No, it wouldn''t.


    Skyler had already decided to enter his second crystal to test his new spells.


    He would never back down.


    "Sir, I have an Epic-tier beast with me. The academy rules state that students can enter a crystal without a team if they''ve a powerful beast! With Riruru, if I also have a team with me, wouldn''t that be an overkill? The crystal behind you is just a Novice tier!"


    Huffing, Skyler pointed at Riruru, who was clinging to his arm, and then at the crystal.


    "Moreover, the crystal is pure white! That color signifies it''s safe! There wouldn''t be any monsters inside that crystal!"


    Professor Noire''s face darkened further. Why wouldn''t this student leave?


    Just why?


    Why was he so stubborn?


    The five students who had called him, the ones who guarded the crystal, flinched in fear behind him when a heavy aura came from his body as he glared at Skyler.


    Noire would have loved to throw him into the crystal, pit him against monsters, and watch him scream for help. But he couldn''t. He and Hawthorne had received news that morning that the Principal had asked Doris to keep an eye on Skyler. He just didn''t want to cross the VP by putting Skyler in harm''s way!


    His voice rose in frustration.


    "Leave before you regret¡ª"


    Yet, he stopped mid-sentence abruptly, a calm voice interrupting him from above.


    "What''s going on here?"


    All eyes on the rooftop traveled above.


    There, in the sky, a tall, muscular man in a tight-fitting battle suit hovered. Professor Noire recognized the man immediately!


    It was Alfanzo, the leader of the group of powerful Lights sent by the government to the academy to oversee the matter related to the recent turmoil caused by Moore.


    Skyler, too, recognized the tall, muscular man. It''s just that he knew little about him.


    Alfanzo landed atop the rooftop. His brows furrowed tightly as his gaze swept through the scene before pausing at Noire.


    "I said, what is going on here? You were so loud that I could hear you from where I was resting. You woke me up. Explain."


    Noire trembled at the calm, authoritative voice. Still, he wasn''t weak himself. So, he was able to compose himself. He hurriedly explained the situation to Alfanzo.


    Skyler scoffed inwardly at the side.


    ''What a two-faced man. He was being so high and mighty in front of me. Now look at him, all meek in front of someone stronger. Tsk, tsk, the strong do rule after all.''


    Alfanzo listened to Noire and a thoughtful expression crossed his face. His gaze then shifted towards Skyler, and he chuckled.


    "He wants to enter the crystal, then let him enter. Why the fuss? If he can clear the first level of Battle Royal, then what''s a Novice tier crystal? This is nothing for him."


    Noire wanted to argue, but shut his mouth when Alfanzo stared at him rather calmly.


    On cue, Skyler chimed in with a smirk.


    "That''s what I am saying. I am not weak. Riruru is with me as well. I don''t know why the professor wouldn''t let me go inside the crystal. I am already asked to not leave the academy. Now I can''t even enter a crystal within the academy to grow stronger?"


    He paused with an aggrieved face.


    "How unfair."


    Alfanzo chuckled at his faint murmur. He could see through what Skyler was trying to do. It was so obvious. The youth wanted to make sure Noire suffered for crossing him.


    ''I see, he likes to get back at people.''


    A smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He was feeling bored staying in one place for so long. Now was his chance to have some fun.


    "On that note, how about I go with you?"


    Skyler''s head whipped toward the man with lightning speed. He gasped, shocked. What the hell? He just wanted to enter a crystal to kill some monsters and try the new spells he had learned?! First, Professor Noire was hell bent on stopping him, and now this tall man from the government wanted to follow him?! It was almost as if they had realized that he was about to secretly steal one of the good treasures Max''s would find in the future!


    ''Damn it! Why is my luck so bad?''


    With amused eyes, Alfanzo watched the myriad of emotions flit across the young man''s face. He barely stifled a laugh.


    Skyler offered a strained smile.


    "Sir, I believe there is no need. I am strong enough to handle a Novice tier crystal on my own. You should have many better things to do than following a student around."


    Alfanzo shook his head. He had already decided to follow this youth for a while. He also wanted to get more information about the person who had done the impossible.


    And why wouldn''t he? Currently, Skyler was the only person in Eldoria who had cleared a level of a Battle Royal in such a short time, as he hadn''t heard of anyone else doing it.


    "No, I''m free. Besides, it would reflect poorly on me if you entered the crystal and got hurt. Anyway, I will just follow you from a distance. You can do whatever you want in the crystal. I won''t interfere unless your life is in danger."


    Skyler cursed under his breath.


    Speechless.


    He had to change his plan. With someone so strong trailing him, he would be an instant target of suspicion if he suddenly went into a crystal with little to no monsters around, one that had been plundered by the academy countless times, and found a treasure.


    Annoyance flickered in his blue eyes as he tried one last time to convince Alfanzo that he would be fine alone. But after failing, he had no choice but to clench his jaw as the muscular man followed his every move.


    Groaning inwardly, Skyler approached the floating crystal to go in. He wondered silently just how bad his luck was. He couldn''t even do one thing the way he wanted.


    ''My luck must be in the negative.''


    He wanted to cry, but stroked Riruru''s body to dispel the negative feelings as he stepped in the crystal. The crystal''s surface ripped as his body vanished. Then, he materialized in an open clearing filled with sand.

 Chapter 118 118: Stealing the MCs treasures II

    Skyler wiped his sweaty forehead as Alfanzo''s gaze bored into the back of his head. Yet, he refused to acknowledge the man trailing behind him through the air, as if taunting him that he couldn''t float.


    He walked on the sandy ground, his feet sinking with each struggling step he took. The air shimmered with heat, making the towering red rock formations around him appear to ripple like mirages.


    Outside the realm he had entered, it was dead of night, but within the crystal, a half-sun shone brightly, lighting the space. This was because there were times when time in a crystal differed from outside, although it flowed at the same pace in both places.


    ''Damn it! I didn''t sign up for this!''


    He cursed inwardly and rubbed his cheek against Riruru''s cold body, trying to soothe the prickling heat stinging his skin. She was enjoying the warm atmosphere. It was only he who was on edge. And it had only been an hour since they entered the crystal.


    Skyler squinted his eyes, scanning the surroundings. However, no matter how far he looked, he couldn''t spot a single beast. Well, this crystal had already been cleared many times by other students, so he had anticipated this outcome already.


    He groaned, trapped. He wanted to head left; his knowledge of the previous timeline indicated that Max discovered the treasure he wanted to steal in a rock formation in that direction. But he couldn''t just rush off. Not when an annoying fly was trailing him. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Taking a deep breath, Skyler once again began moving, this time shifting directions every other minute. He always knew he was an impatient person, and today his patience was being stretched thin. Yet, he controlled himself because he had too many secrets.


    He wanted to change the original story, but not in a way that would get him into trouble. It was crucial that he steer clear of attracting too much attention from the government for the time being, since he was weak.


    What if they discovered that he could use more elements than he had awakened?


    He would end up in a lab for experiments instead of becoming the protagonist!


    Anyway, once he was stronger, he would easily be able to handle those who posed a threat to him. For now, all he had to do was stay patient and wait for that brighter future.


    He jolted out of his daydreaming when Alfanzo hummed faintly behind him.


    "Go straight. I can sense the presence of a monster in that direction. It''s just a two-star, but it could be your first kill. Or are you just going to wander around and go back?"


    These words were enough to snap the tiny amount of patience Skyler possessed.


    He seriously didn''t care!


    He would do whatever he wanted! Let the world find out how awesome he was! He would leave the honor of dealing with the consequences to the other ''him'' who are living in his subconscious without rent!


    With those thoughts, Skyler sprang into action. Alfanzo was taken aback when his pace suddenly increased tenfold. The man watched, stunned, as the ash-brown haired youth sprinted away from him in a random direction, leaving behind a gust of wind.


    "Ha..."


    He stifled a chuckle and vanished behind him. It seemed Skyler was trying to hide his true strength from him. He was proven right when he saw the kid suddenly use his Light element power to summon a rain of spears from behind to kill a 1-star lizard. It was an overkill, but Skyler didn''t seem to care.


    The brown-gold lizard, lounging on a rock, sunbathing, didn''t even have the chance to fight, let alone catch a glimpse of its attacker, before it was wiped out of existence. Even the rock it sat on turned to dust.


    Alfanzo watched everything in amusement. Yet it was just the beginning. Under his gaze, Skyler turned to his left and sprinted away.


    He found two more weak sand lizards. One was tortured by a seemingly harmless spell called ''Glimmering Spark'', which created a burst of light every time Skyler uttered the incantation, until it went blind and died.


    The other was captured for experiments. Skyler cut off its tail multiple times to use ''Rejuvenating Touch'' on it, healing it again and again before it died from the trauma of being injured and healed so many times.


    Alfanzo closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose with a silent groan. He couldn''t believe that healing could also be used as a method of such cruel torture.


    "Those spells were so weak. But I am sure no one would ever want to go through the same as what the lizards experienced."


    Skyler didn''t even flinch when he heard the floating man''s words. He had come here for two reasons: to test his spells and to steal a treasure meant for the protagonist, a title he had already claimed in his mind.


    His first objective was somewhat achieved, but the second remained unfulfilled. Skyler started running again with a hidden smirk, his mind already plotting his next move. It was time to put his acting skills to the test.


    He deliberately started using his skills haphazardly, as if testing their range and destructive power. A gasp escaped his lips as he ''accidentally'' destroyed a huge rock formation, sending it rolling away to reveal an underground tunnel buried in the sand.


    Instantly, Alfanzo''s attention was drawn to the dark tunnel. His gaze narrowed, but he relaxed when he didn''t sense any monsters inside. Still, he was surprised to sense an influx of Evol coming from the tunnel.


    Skyler feigned curiosity as he checked the tunnel, although he was laughing inwardly, fully aware he was in the right place. Then he cautiously entered the tunnel, muttering the spell ''Glimmering Spark'' to light his way.


    The path was uneven, and in stark contrast to the heat outside, the air in the tunnel was frigid, almost icy. Riruru shifted on his body before quickly burying her head in the crook of his neck, clearly disliking the icy air.


    Skyler stopped in his tracks, retrieving a jacket from his storage ring. He slipped it on over his uniform, leaving the front open, and glanced at the snake clinging to him.


    "Come in."


    Riruru''s eyes lit up. After the snake slipped into his jacket, he continued his descent. He could feel Alfanzo trailing behind him quitely, using his Evol to inspect the place.


    After a while, he stepped out from the dark tunnel into a breathtaking clearing, bathed in the dim glow of a vast, crystalline ice field.


    The ceiling was filled with protruding icicles, the floor a sheet of glistening ice. In the heart of the space, a small, round artifact, shaped like a marble, floated, its presence radiating an intense chill that froze the very air.


    That small marble-like artifact was the source of the frigid temperature.


    Skyler rubbed his hands together, a wisp of smoke curling from his lips as he turned to look at Alfanzo, who arrived beside him.


    "That''s mine."


    Alfanzo raised an eyebrow at him.


    "What? Worried I will take something a student found? I am not that desperate."


    Skyler blinked with feigned innocence. His words, however, were anything but innocent.


    "I am weaker. It''s not like I can stop you, Sir, if you wanted to take that marble from me."


    Alfanzo rolled his eyes, speechless.


    "I don''t want it. I don''t have affinity with the water element. Anyway, you are very lucky. It''s rare to find such a powerful artifact in a novice tier crystal, let alone one that had already been checked by many others."


    Skyler''s face twisted into a grimace at the mention of ''luck''. If only his luck was good, he wouldn''t have to resort to stealing Max''s opportunities. He would have found his own!


    Alfanzo suddenly smiled. He could sense the two elemental crystals in Skyler''s heart. This kid didn''t have an affinity with water.


    "I can sense that marble is an equipment that can increase the wearer''s Evol, but it''s only useful for those who have affinity with water since ice is a sub-element of water. Do you have an affinity with the water element?"


    Skyler shook his head.


    "I don''t have affinity with water, but..."


    He pointed at Riruru.


    "She does. I want that artifact for her."


    Alfanzo was at a loss for words as he eyed the snake peeking from Skyler''s jacket. He couldn''t believe this young man wanted to give such a powerful ice artifact to a beast who wouldn''t even know how to use it.


    Was it the right choice? After all, just from looking at the artifact, he could tell it was a tier higher than Epic. The man sighed. Well, it''s not like he could stop him. It would feel like he wanted the artifact for himself.


    "Do whatever you want."


    Skyler''s lips curled upward into a grin as he walked toward the floating marble, his eyes sparkling. Soon he stood before the artifact and turned his attention down to Riruru.


    "It''s yours. Can you touch it? I don''t think I can touch, I don''t have the water element."

 Chapter 119 119: Stealing the MCs treasures III

    The snake glanced at Skyler, then at the floating marble-like artifact. She narrowed her gaze, staring at it intently. Even though she didn''t know much about treasures, she could tell the artifact would benefit her.


    Riruru looked at him one last time.


    ''For me?''


    Skyler chuckled, a low sound, as he heard her voice, strangely pleasant, in his mind.


    "Yes, for you. You need to get stronger."


    She turned back to the marble, a touch of hesitation in her eyes. The cold emanating from the artifact bothered her, but she still moved out of his jacket, accepting his help as he held her towards the marble. As soon as she touched the artifact, it vibrated with cold Evol. Immediately, the floating marble scattered into silver patterns that etched themselves onto the sides of her head.


    Skyler''s lips lifted into a smile.


    Satisfied, he walked back toward Alfanzo, who was watching him, feeling regret that such a good artifact was gone to a beast who wouldn''t even know its full potential.


    Skyler ignored the man, as if he were air. With a spring in his step, he rushed out of the tunnel, now that he was done stealing.


    His next stop was the area filled with tall trees within the academy. Naturally, Max''s future opportunities weren''t his only target. He was going to steal the treasures and opportunities of the whole main cast.


    ''They are already strong. They don''t need more treasures. I''m just helping them use what they don''t need. Hehe.''


    He sighed regretfully, thinking how he was four years late to enter the story. Or else he could have found even more treasures. But those treasures were already gone.


    Skyler stretched his body before he began running toward the way he had come from.


    He was good with directions, so recalling the exact spot where he had arrived after entering the crystal wasn''t difficult.


    Unlike his first experience, when he and Charles were trapped inside a crystal, this time he didn''t need to break the core of the crystal inside the boss chamber to leave.


    He simply needed to return to his entry point and use the portal there to return.


    Anyway, now that he had decided to do whatever he wanted, he didn''t even care to pretend that he had entered the crystal to complete a mission. He would just say he forgot about the mission¡ªthe mission to find a specific sand herb in the crystal.


    Skyler chuckled, using his spells here and there just for fun. He destroyed every rock formation on his path, hoping to discover another tunnel. Unfortunately, he didn''t.


    He shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. What had he expected? He wasn''t the protagonist in this story. Why would he be the one to uncover hidden treasures?


    By the time Skyler left the crystal, it was a mess. The other students who would enter the place would surely be horrified to see the destruction he caused, which clearly disrupted the structure of the place.


    Alfanzo could only shake his head.


    After Skyler told Professor Noire that he would be going to his room, Alfanzo didn''t intend to follow the young man any longer, despite having found very little about him. Like he was very lucky and a bit odd.


    However, Skyler''s blatant disregard for his stated intentions forced Alfanzo to watch him secretly from a distance. He watched as the kid snooped around the academy.


    Skyler went from one location to another with no pattern. Not caring about the dark and silent hour when he should be asleep. His actions made him seem like a thief.


    He would laugh to himself, curse, and grin like an idiot. What shocked Alfanzo was the fact that whenever the youth went to a new location, he would locate a treasure as if it were lying there waiting for him to pick up.


    "What in the world is going on here?! Has the academy always been overflowing with treasures?? If so, why hasn''t anyone found them before? And why does it seem like he knows exactly where to find them?!"


    Alfanzo was beginning to question what he was seeing the more he watched Skyler. He felt so bewildered that he had to make sure he was seeing things correctly.


    His head spun as he dazedly watched the youth slip into a building, only to come out with a good stash of Evol crystals. He was so shocked that he forgot he could simply question him about what was going on.


    Skyler smirked as he tossed a sparkling, slender, finger-sized Evol crystal in the air.


    "How can I let go of something shiny? In the original story, it was Elena who found these wind Evol crystals. But being from a rich family, she didn''t bother taking them."


    He glanced back at the building he had come out of, with a mischievous glint.


    "If she knew that the crystals belonged to Professor Hawthorne, who had hidden his wealth in different places because of his paranoia, she wouldn''t have left them."


    Laughing, Skyler left the place, very much looking forward to the face the professor would make after finding his money gone.


    This was his little revenge.


    Professor Hawthorne had hit him in the head with papers. He still remembered it, along with the biting words of that jerk. He was just that petty. There was one more reason: he, Skyler, would never let go of anything shiny if it was within his reach.


    Finally, Alfanzo jolted back to reality.


    But Skyler had already vanished.


    "Where did he go...?"


    He muttered, his senses reaching out to find him. The act, however, disrupted the many powerhouses in the academy.


    The principal was the first to warn him mentally that he wasn''t allowed to utilize his power within the academy grounds.


    Alfanzo hissed under his breath.


    "I am going crazy here!! And they are worried about some damn rules!?"


    He vanished to search for Skyler, oblivious to the fact that, seeing the sunlight, the kid had gone to have breakfast and attend his classes like the model student he was.


    Not to mention, he would be caught too easily if he loitered around in the daytime.


    While Alfanzo searched for him to find out if Skyler possessed a treasure-locating skill, he diligently attended all his classes.


    Once Skyler was finished, he went to his room and locked the door. His expression turned very serious as he counted all the treasures he discovered in a single night.


    Suddenly, noticing Riruru watching him lazily, he taught her to count. She blinked, very confused, but got his point when he said that they had to guard their wealth.


    He had become quite wealthy in a short amount of time, and if anyone discovered their secret, they could be in danger.


    Skyler''s gaze swept over the treasures.


    There were some natural treasures in the pile, but most were artifacts. Unfortunately, aside from a few, they were useless to him because he had only formed an elemental crystal for two elements so far.


    Skyler''s brows furrowed tightly.


    "Hmm, these treasures are too few. I need to locate more. But for now, we have to make do with what we have found. Max and his team should have found more treasures."


    Hearing him, Riruru''s eyebrow twitched. Even she understood he was exaggerating when he said the treasures he possessed were too few. She didn''t know much about his world or money, but she knew that if anyone were to see his wealth, their eyes would surely bulge out in astonishment. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He placed Riruru on the bed and hurriedly separated the treasures he could absorb to become stronger from the others, storing the remaining items in his storage rings.


    "I still need to check the treasures I got from the generous blue dragon. To see if there are any that can help me get stronger."


    A sigh escaped his lips.


    "I have so much to do. Such a busy person I am. No one can understand how busy I am."


    Grumbling, he shook his head and settled down cross-legged on the floor facing the bed. His gaze traveled toward Riruru.


    "You can rest. I am going to form my third elemental crystal. When I am done, let''s go downstairs to eat dinner. After that, we both have to go somewhere... hehe."


    A wicked smile stretched across his lips. Thanks to Max, Jenny, Austin, and Elena being stuck in the first level of Battle Royal, he had a chance to take the center stage in the next big event about to happen soon.


    "Apologies, dear older sister. But this time, I will be the one to meet with the Queen. I am sure our grandmother would not mind since you failed the only task she gave you."


    He closed his eyes. He didn''t have time.


    The Queen''s people would be here soon to get two of the Queen''s grandchildren who were studying at the Starlight Academy.


    In the original story, one of those people recognized Riya Ironhart, his mother, who had come to the academy to meet Jenny.


    But this time, it would be different because Riya Ironhart wouldn''t come here, as Jenny hadn''t returned from the Battle Royal.

 Chapter 120 120: Why does it hurt?

    In the familiar room, enveloped in a thin haze of Evol, Skyler''s eyes snapped open and the world swam back into focus. He had formed his 3rd elemental crystal.


    This time, he had succeeded in his first try, with nary a hint of pain. He already knew the process of forming a crystal. Perhaps that''s why it didn''t feel as hard as when he formed his first elemental crystal.


    Now just like the golden and dark Evol, a wave of gray Evol pulsed through him.


    He instinctively reached for his chest, his fingers tracing the outline of his heart.


    There, within the depths, he felt it.


    One more minuscule, ant-sized crystal, floating in a corner. A new sensation, a foreign presence, yet it felt¡­ familiar.


    It was as if this tiny gray-colored crystal was simply another part of his whole being that had been missing for a long time.


    His brow furrowed in confusion.


    "Strange... why does it hurt? My heart. It''s not a physical pain, but more like an ache I cannot ignore. It began when I created the space elemental crystal. What''s going on? The space element has no connection to my other selves. So, why do I feel so sad, so empty after forming the space crystal?"


    Skyler blinked, startled by a wet sensation beneath his eyes. His hand shot up, fingers fumbling blindly until they met a wet, sticky trail trickling down his cheeks. Tears. His mind supplied. He was crying. But why?


    "This..."


    He rasped, his voice raw with confusion. Feeling overwhelmed, he called out to the two figures living in his subconscious.


    "You better tell me what''s happening!"


    He roared. But there was no answer. The silence in the room stretched, an agonizing, suffocating emptiness. Fortunately, it was broken by Riruru, startled by his shout. She rushed to his side to see if he was okay.


    Skyler shook his head and seeing Riruru''s worried eyes, a smile lit up on his lips.


    "Why are you so anxious? I am the one who''s feeling confused."


    He shoved the matter deep into his mind, ignoring the storm of emotions that raged within him, emotions that were clearly not his own. Absentmindedly, Skyler caressed Riruru and shifted his focus to his status.


    His excitement returned as he muttered.


    "Status!"


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with: Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    1) Light: 5-star (Middle stage)


    2) Darkness: 6-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: 1-star (Final stage)


    4) Lightning: (Locked)


    5) ???


    Overall Strength:


    6-star Adept (Final stage)


    Potential: 10-star Adept


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (11)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Closed)


    - System points: 21,450


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 2nd level of Battle Royal (Available)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Not available)


    _______


    Skyler''s elation dampened a little as he checked the results. Unfortunately, unlike his darkness element, his space element didn''t jump to 5-star in one swoop.


    True, he didn''t want to go through the pain he felt when his dark crystal jumped from 1-star to 5-star. However, what was a little pain if he could get stronger?


    Clicking his tongue, he stood up.


    "What a pity. It seems my space element won''t advance on its own from the start."


    Yet, his blue eyes were gleaming as he looked at the treasures before him.


    "Then it seems I''m forced to utilize my special constitution and get stronger. It''s time to see how much power my body can absorb without harming my foundation. I remember that my spirit constitution can absorb as many treasures as possible. I lacked treasures before, but not now."


    Skyler rubbed both of his hands together, letting out an eerie laugh before he threw himself amidst the treasures and started absorbing the natural treasures he found. Even then, he only ate the ones related to the 3 elemental crystals he had formed.


    Riruru gasped in shock, her crimson eyes widening as she quickly tried to stop him.


    An old memory flickered in her mind.


    It was the memory of one of her monster friends she had seen foolishly eating a lot of herbs filled with Evol. The excess energy had caused its body to explode!


    She couldn''t let that happen to Skyler!


    He toppled over the ground with a golden leaf in between his lips when she lunged at him with all her strength. She hissed, telling him to spit out what he had consumed, but when he didn''t, her eyes blazed with dread.


    A golden light flashed in the room, and he froze when a soft body fell over him. Skyler clenched his hands over her waist and shut his eyes, swelling the herb in his mouth.


    "Ri-Ru-Ru! Stop moving!"


    His body stiffened when, instead of doing what he asked, she raised her eyes, her long white hair falling to the sides of his face as she reached out with her fingers to open his mouth and remove what he had just eaten.


    Skyler''s eyes flew open and he sealed his lips to stop her fingers. He reached out and grabbed both of her hands, his ears flushed due to their awkward position. A strained and hoarse voice escaped his lips.


    "Stop, Riruru. Calm down. Let''s talk. I need to know what''s wrong, alright?"


    She struggled a bit. She was stronger than him, so she could have easily freed herself from his grip, but she stopped upon hearing him. Her brows furrowed tightly in worry as she fixed her crimson gaze on his lips.


    "Dangerous! You ate too much energy!"


    Skyler''s eyes widened in realization as he finally understood what she meant. Though, he was surprised she knew consuming too much Evol could be very harmful. He didn''t let go of her hands and let out a soft sigh.


    "I understand. However, it''s not dangerous. Look, I''m doing fine. Aren''t I?"


    Riruru blinked, her gaze traveling over his body to make sure he was really okay. She shifted, and he finally released her arm, only to purse his lips when she fumbled around on his body. He grabbed her when her hand accidentally brushed against his crotch. His face and neck flushed red in mortification as a pained voice escaped his lips.


    "Change back into a snake. Please."


    Riruru tilted her head. She didn''t want to change back so soon. Yet, his stern gaze made her flinch slightly. Skyler didn''t raise his voice, but his words were firm.


    "Now, change back."


    Huffing, she retreated. A brilliant light flashed in the room, and she turned into a snake. Then, she left his side and climbed the bed, giving him a cold shoulder. Skyler stayed on the floor for a long minute; only when he calmed down did he rise.


    He glanced at the grumpy snake. Rubbing his temples, he quickly took out his phone and searched online for a good artifact that could form clothes around Riruru whenever she changed into a human. He should have done it sooner. But he had forgotten. It took him a while, but he found one such artifact. It wasn''t on Star-Net; instead, it was on a private website that belonged to a guild.


    Skyler scanned the website, selecting multiple items designed for women. His brows furrowed in concentration.


    He wasn''t content with merely one artifact; he went ahead and ordered several more.


    Once he was somewhat satisfied with his selections, he clicked the purchase button and requested the delivery to be sent to the academy, providing his current address. The payment would be made upon delivery.


    With this important matter settled, Skyler resumed consuming the natural treasures.


    As expected, no matter how much Evol he absorbed, his body never felt overwhelmed.


    It was as if it were a bottomless pit.


    The only problem was that the amount of treasures he needed to absorb to advance a Star in any of the elements he possessed was increasing as he became stronger.


    Riruru''s eyes darted toward him when she realized he hadn''t come to comfort her. She huffed in annoyance and approached him.


    He hissed when she bit his finger, only for her to lick the wound afterwards and then settle on his lap with a satisfied gaze.


    That was enough; she forgave him.


    Skyler chuckled at her antics and stroked her head, finding her cute. Then resumed what he was doing. When he was done, a wave of happiness washed over him as he realized he had grown more powerful!


    He was sure that no one in Eldoria could achieve such power in such a short time!


    He cleared his throat, suppressing his joy.


    "I need to stay away from the keen eyes of those who can sense my elemental crystals and aura. Or else I am in big trouble."


    Nodding solemnly, he muttered.


    "Status!"


    _______


    Status:


    Name: Skyler Ironhart


    Elemental Affinity with:


    1) Light: 8-star (Final stage)


    2) Darkness: 9-star (Final stage)


    3) Space: 5-star (Final stage)


    4) Lightning: (Locked)


    5) ???


    Overall Strength:


    9-star Adept (Final stage)


    Potential: 10-star Adept


    (Currently locked due to ''Special Spirit Constitution''. No further information.)


    Class: None


    Skills/Spells: (11)


    System 505 Functions:


    - System store: (Closed)


    - System points: 21,450


    Imagine pressing the words to:


    - Enter 2nd level of Battle Royal (Available)


    - Exit Battle Royal (Not available)


    _______


    Finally satisfied, Skyler stood up and tidied his room. He hid his storage rings and went downstairs with Riruru to eat dinner.


    The familiar old couple greeted him. This student was always late or missing meals, so they were relieved to see him on time.


    Unlike the couple, who were just ordinary humans, the students eating at the tables dropped their cutlery in shock when they sensed the aura emanating from Skyler.


    Confusion crossed their faces as they questioned their own senses.


    Because how was it even possible? In the end, they all decided they must have been imagining things and needed rest.

 Chapter 121 121: What a cheater...

    While Skyler and Riruru were eating dinner under many eyes, he got a notification that his delivery had arrived at the academy.


    "That was fast. I guess the guild who owns the website owns teleportation devices."


    He finished his food and rushed out of the building. A burly man in a uniform met him just a little distance away from the building he gave as his address on the website.


    The man furrowed his brows when he saw a young man, thinking if Skyler would even be able to pay for what he had purchased.


    Fortunately, his worries were unfounded. Skyler paid upfront through his phone. He hurriedly transferred the 50,000 star coins he got from Jenny to the delivery man. At least, she was helpful in one way.


    After paying, he received a storage ring from the man with his order. The man left. And Skyler returned to his room to quickly sort out everything. He had to leave early tomorrow to encounter the people of the Queen who would come to the academy.


    Skyler set an alarm on his phone and quickly slipped under the blankets.


    "Let''s sleep early, Riruru."


    Shuffling, he put a bracelet-like artifact through her head. It clung to her body the moment it touched her skin. With that, she could now change into a human anytime, and clothes would form to cover her.


    It was a useful artifact created from the power of a mix of technology and some unique items found in the crystals.


    Then, cuddling the snake, he closed his eyes, yawning and muttering softly.


    "You can change into a human without worry now. The artifact will cover you."


    He only said this to assure her that he wasn''t angry when he told her that she should change back into a snake.


    However, his eyebrow twitched when a brilliant golden light flashed in the room and a soft voice sounded next to his ear.


    "Okay..."


    Skyler did not open his eyes, letting out a sigh as he released her from his grasp. It seemed he wouldn''t be able to cuddle her now that she had changed into a human.


    He was reluctant but still forced himself to turn his back on her. Unlike him, Riruru had other plans. She played with his hair, gently waving her fingers through the ash-brown strands, giggling softly when he groaned.


    Skyler opened his eyes and turned back, relieved to see her in a loose-fitting dress. Grasping her wayward hands, he forced her to lie down on his arm, exasperated.


    "Sleep."


    Riruru blinked her lashes, watching him close his eyes until his breathing evened out. Mimicking his earlier actions, Riruru wrapped her arms around his waist and buried her face in his neck, inhaling.


    "You smell nice... smells like mine..."


    Skyler shifted in his sleep, but he didn''t dislike the feeling of the slightly cold body clinging to him like an octopus. Instead, he shifted closer, instinctively holding her waist. Half-asleep, he muttered softly.


    "Don''t cause trouble..."


    Riruru''s eyes crinkled, mirth dancing in the glowing crimson depths. She chuckled at him and closed her eyes to sleep as well.


    However, after she fell asleep, she found herself in an unknown place, inhabiting an unfamiliar body. Tears streamed down her cheeks. The fragment of her soul, her core, which had grown stronger after consuming another small fragment residing within the old pendant, pulsed violently within her.


    Confusion clouded her senses as she tried to move, to do something, but the body she was in refused to follow her command.


    The only thing she could do was watch the scene unfolding before her, with no control over anything, like a bystander. It was as if she were watching something from a time or lifetime that no longer existed.


    All around her, the ravaged landscape was littered with the bodies of winged humans, monsters, and ominous beings with horns.


    Seas of blood flowed everywhere. The air was thick with an acrid scent of death and decay, making it difficult to breathe.


    The space was divided into two. One side was filled with beings who looked so pure, as if they were made of light. Their wings fluttered behind them like thick curtains.


    On the other side, a single man knelt with his head bowed, and numerous powerful weapons, each shimmering with a golden light, protruded from his bloodied body. His trembling hands, slick with blood, clutched the weapon that had pierced his heart.


    Riruru''s heart sank at the sight. She hadn''t even seen the man''s face, but she wanted to rush forward. Only to discover that her crying form was trapped within a barrier.


    Floating next to her, one of the winged beings, a male clad in armor, sneered. His mocking voice made her blood run cold.


    "You filthy spawn of hell! How dare you forget your place and trespass in heaven!"


    Riruru''s breath hitched at the words. Yet, the winged man''s smirk stiffened when the kneeling man let out an eerie laughter. His trembling fingers violently yanked out the weapon stabbed in his heart. Although, it was clear his body was beyond saving.


    He snickered with a grin that made every single person flying in the sky clench their weapons in fear. Even when he was dying, they were equally afraid of him, knowing what he was capable of. Wiping the blood off his chapped lips, he raised his head to stare at the winged man who had spoken.


    His eyes crinkled in amusement.


    "What a cheater... You didn''t even put a single scratch on my body. So, it''s funny hearing you talk so big now."


    Riruru''s eyes dilated when she saw the familiar face. Only the blue pupils and hair were pitch black. She let out a strangled cry inwardly to free herself to go save him. Yet, she couldn''t even command the body she was in, let alone interfere in the event.


    The winged man beside her trembled with rage, hearing the kneeling man''s words. But he composed himself and smiled softly.


    "So?! It was I who made your own stab you in the back. It''s more painful. I am sure you would never forget this moment, even after dying. Well, it''s not like I am going to let you be reborn. Filth like you needs to be wiped out of existence with no second chance."


    The kneeling man tilted his head. His gaze was hazy as he turned to look to his right. Far away, there stood many familiar faces inside a gray dome that protected them.


    "Oh, they...? I helped them grow and come so far, a place they would never have been able to reach on their own. Yet look at me now. I should have never trusted anyone to begin with. My fault... My fault..."


    He muttered under his breath, his voice fading. As his consciousness began to slip, he looked up once last time. This time, his gaze fell on the trapped, crying figure.


    Her eyes, covered in a blindfold, were bleeding. His heart ached at the sight. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I am sorry... Don''t cry. I will come..."


    His words trailed off, unfinished. Riruru jolted awake on the familiar bed, her eyes snapping open in alarm. She gasped softly, clutching at her chest, tears welling up. The empty room only amplified the suffocating feeling that had taken root within her.


    She scrambled out of bed, her gaze frantically searching for Skyler.


    They had been sleeping together!


    Where had he gone??

 Chapter 122 122: Did you have a bad dream?

    A while ago, Skyler awoke to the sound of the alarm beside him. He rubbed his eyes and glanced at the woman in his arms.


    She looked so peaceful that he didn''t dare wake her. Carefully, he untangled her arms from his body before slipping out of bed.


    He went to take a quick bath. So, he didn''t expect Riruru to jump at him with a tearful face when he walked out of the bathroom wearing only a pair of dark tailored pants.


    Skyler braced himself against the wall, the air knocked from his lungs as Riruru''s arms tightened around his neck, her legs swiftly wrapping around his waist. He patted her back when she buried her face in his neck, sniffing him as if to ensure he was real.


    An exasperated sound escaped him.


    "You!"


    Even then, she didn''t let go, making him sigh. He had no idea what happened, but still, he rubbed her back to calm her down. His other hand reached out to hold her waist so she wouldn''t lose her balance.


    "Did you have a bad dream?"


    Riruru sniffled faintly, making him worried. She rubbed her face on his shoulder.


    "Bad dream. Bad people. Don''t die."


    Skyler furrowed his brows. So, she had a dream where he died? Why such a dream?


    "I am fine. No one can kill me. I am strong. You are here too to protect me. Hmm?"


    His words did nothing to calm her down, except for the fact that she silently vowed to become even stronger. Giving up, Skyler moved to enter the bathroom again, this time with the weight clinging to him.


    "I will teach you how to brush your teeth, then you can take a bath. It will help you calm down and forget the bad dream."


    He sat her down on the sink, peeling her arms and legs off his body before wiping her teary crimson eyes that stared at him.


    "No more crying."


    He squeezed some toothpaste onto the new toothbrush he had brought last night and gave it to her. He chuckled when she wrinkled her face. Still, at least the weird taste made her forget her dream. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He helped her wash her hair.


    It was so soft and silky.


    Then he filled the build-in bathtub with water and stood up, clearing his throat.


    "You have to wash your body yourself. I will go out. Remove your clothes, and when you are finished, just change back into a snake and come out. I will leave the door open."


    Riruru grabbed the hem of his pants. She had already calmed down, but didn''t want him to go. That''s why she made the most pitiful eyes she could to look at him.


    Skyler was at a loss for words.


    "You really..."


    He rubbed his heart, which was beating too fast for its own good. At this rate, he would end up with a heart disease as a Light.


    "Shhh... That would be new."


    Chuckling, he suddenly bent down to his knees and flicked her forehead.


    "Don''t be so spoiled. We are getting late, I will leave you behind if you don''t hurry up."


    Riruru gasped. His words were enough to snap her into action. Skyler quickly left as she started tugging at her clothes. Luckily, living with Miss. Lorian for a while gave her some knowledge about these things.


    Once outside, he donned a white t-shirt, slim-fitting jeans, and a simple jacket. The instant Riruru came out, Skyler picked her up and rushed out of his room. They both had breakfast on the ground floor. Then Skyler went to the spot where the Queen''s people would pass by in the morning.


    His gaze swept across the surroundings, betraying no hint of nervousness. Though he was taking Jenny''s place, he was very confident he would do better than her.


    At this point, Skyler just had to make the Queen''s people believe he was one of her grandchildren without involving his mom.


    Otherwise, things could get complicated, like in the first timeline where his parents were tied down to the Royal family for a lifetime. All thanks to his foolish sister.


    After two hours of waiting, his eyes finally lit up when he saw two tall, muscular men in silver armor walking towards the place where the third-year students lived.


    Skyler took in their appearance, which matched the descriptions told in the story. While only their attire and intimidating aura were described in the book, he was certain they were the ones he was waiting for!


    He hadn''t even known the exact time they would arrive, only the general details, but luckily, his prediction had been right!


    Straightening his jacket, he rushed toward the two figures and blocked their path. His blue eyes sparkled. Who knows where the hell such confidence came to him. Maybe he was still high because he had gotten quite strong in a short amount of time.


    "Excuse me, Sir."


    The two men came to a stop, their brows immediately furrowing at the interruption.


    One of them wanted to shoo him away, but the dark-haired man next to him, who had a scar on his head, stopped him. It was clear he was the one with more authority, as the other man shut his mouth immediately.


    The man with a scar on his head narrowed his eyes at the pair of crystal-like blue eyes staring at him. For some reason, they were eerily similar to the Queen''s. How strange. He couldn''t help but ask.


    "Who are you, young man?"


    Skyler''s lips curved upward into a smirk. Good he had inherited his mother''s looks. Otherwise, he would have never gotten the attention of his uncle so easily. Yes, the man in front of him was a prince. One of the sons of the Queen. Alistair Thorne.


    "My name is Skyler."


    Without even a moment''s hesitation, he dropped a bombshell on the two men.


    "I actually visited the principal recently and overheard him mentioning that people from the Royal Castle would be coming today to visit some third-year students. That''s why I have been waiting here because I want to meet the Queen, my grandmother."


    Alistair''s eyes widened, but his expression quickly turned grim. There was simply too much suspicion surrounding this youth''s words. He couldn''t even process them!


    "What?"

 Chapter 123 123: Yes, I am that student

    Skyler feigned confusion.


    "Are you not from the Royal Castle? I was certain you were from the winged insignia on your armor. Did I make a mistake?"


    Alistair waved his hand, annoyed.


    His heart was in turmoil. If possible, he wanted to grab Skyler for interrogation.


    But he couldn''t use his power within the academy. No one above 20-star can.


    "No, no, tell me why did you call the Queen your grandmother? Do you even have any idea what you are saying? If you are wrong, you could be labeled as an imposter! How do you know that? Who are your parents?" S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler''s head buzzed with the influx of questions, but he answered them patiently. Naturally, he refused to say anything about the identity of his parents, saying they were no longer in the continent and had left after telling him about his dear grandmother. He sounded so believable that he was certain his ability to bullshit had advanced.


    505 should brace itself.


    ''I hope Mom and Dad don''t get involved if the Queen decides to investigate me. But I''m certain she won''t. She is too busy with everything going on in the Royal family.''


    When Skyler finished answering, Alistair was feeling even more bewildered as he stared at the ash-brown haired youth.


    He rubbed his temples.


    There was only one member of the royal family who had left the family: his sister, Riya Thorne. He hoped Skyler was being truthful. If Skyler really was, he could only be the son of Riya and therefore his nephew.


    A deep exhale escaped him as he stared at the sparkling, bright blue eyes looking at him with expectations and nervousness.


    "This is all too sudden... Sometimes I wished I had a lie detecting skill."


    Skyler shuddered inwardly as the dark eyes, flecked with blue, scrutinized him solemnly. He thought he was convincing enough, but his uncle remained skeptical of his identity. Fortunately, the man could not do anything to him within the academy grounds.


    He gulped, startled when Alistair gripped his shoulder and fixed him with a piercing stare.


    "Even if I believe you are telling the truth, why do you want to meet the Queen? Tell me the reason. Or are you one of those Dark Lights trying to harm the royalty?"


    Alistair voice dropped dangerously.


    "Your timing is far too coincidental. It''s almost as if you were aware... aware that we would be inclined to take you to the Queen due to something significant."


    Skyler blinked, once, twice.


    It seemed it was time to use his looks.


    The book described Alistair Thorne as having a soft spot for his sister Riya. Even when she left her family behind to escape the Queen, who wanted her five children to fight for the throne, he never blamed her.


    His eyes flickered with nervousness, then hardened with determination as if he had decided to come clean. He met Alistair''s gaze head-on, surprising the man.


    "I... I just want to meet my grandmother! Mother told me about her. I want to meet my family. The family I have never met!"


    For the first time, Alistair was at a loss for words, quite stunned by the raw emotions radiating from the young man before him.


    What confused him was why Riya, the one who most disliked their mother, would have told her son about the Queen. It was rather concerning, seeing how Skyler seemed to have a good impression of the Queen.


    He stepped back with resignation.


    "You really... Alright, I will know if you are lying or not soon anyway. In a way, this is actually a perfect time for you to show up. We don''t even need to do a DNA test. You just need to follow us, and we will know if you are telling the truth."


    Skyler''s eyes gleamed with excitement. Finally!! He had done it! Now, all he had to do was enter the tomb and claim the loot that Jenny and her team, who had tagged along because one member of the Royal family could bring three to four people with them to the tomb, found in the story! Even those treasures they didn''t found! Hehe!


    Riruru stared at his face. All the while he talked with Alistair, she observed him and couldn''t help but be speechless. Even she could tell he had spun a lot of tales.


    Alistair rubbed the back of his neck.


    He felt as if he had been tricked. However, he pushed his suspicions aside and turned to the other man accompanying him.


    "Go bring the other two. We are leaving for the Royal Castle immediately. I will just text Vice Principal Doris about the third student we are taking with us."


    With a silent nod, the other man left. He didn''t question Alistair''s decision to accept the words of a student he had just met for the first time. It wasn''t his place to do so.


    Skyler was practically vibrating, not even caring that he was currently in the presence of a man who could crush him with a finger. He had succeeded, and that was enough!


    Alistair observed him silently.


    ''So different from Riya. She is more of a calm type. Why is he so full of energy?''


    His lips unconsciously twitched upward.


    His hand reaching out to mess the strands of styled ash-brown hair, only to freeze.


    ''Ah, what am I doing? Is it because Skyler bears a striking resemblance to Riya?''


    They stood side by side, a stark contrast. One was excited and the other frowned at how easily he had dropped his guard. The silence broke only when the other tall man returned with two new figures: a man and a woman with a mix of dark blue eyes. Both appeared to be a year older than Skyler.


    They both politely greeted Alistair.


    Alisa and George Thorne narrowed their eyes immediately at the unfamiliar figure standing beside their uncle. A flicker of suspicion crossed their faces, but it was quickly replaced by astonishment.


    Alisa stepped closer to Skyler, a look of surprise etched on her features.


    "Aren''t you that new student from the 1st Year Elite class? The only one who came back from the first level of Battle Royal?"


    Instantly, all heads snapped toward Skyler. He chuckled sheepishly, with no shame.


    "Yes, I am that student. Cousin."


    The declaration hung heavy in the air, a shockwave rippling through all present, for different reasons. Alisa and George were stunned to hear Skyler call Alisa cousin.


    On the other hand, Alistair Thorne and his aide were shocked to discover that Skyler was the one being discussed most recently by the government, the youth whose name they had been trying to keep secret, the one who had cleared the first level of the Battle Royal in a mere five days.


    Alisa''s brow furrowed. It didn''t matter that Skyler had accomplished something great. Why and how dare he call her cousin when they weren''t related at all! She knew every single one of her cousins, although there weren''t many, for goodness sake!


    "Why you¡ª"


    Her outburst was cut short by Alistair.


    "It''s you. The student I was supposed to meet today after I send these two away. I didn''t notice this earlier because you just dropped such big news. Now that I think about it, your name is indeed familiar."


    He muttered more to himself than to the ash-brown haired youth standing in front of him. But why would Skyler stay silent when it was time to show off how awesome he was?


    "Really, Sir? You were going to come see me? I guess I should have cleared the first level of Battle Royal sooner!"


    Hearing him, Alisa and George choked on their breath. How could he make the Battle Royal sound like a walk in the park? Alisa, in particular, scoffed at him with disdain.


    She was a princess, and for some reason, she didn''t like this man at all. Her troubled eyes traveled to her uncle to figure out who this country bumpkin was, but to her shock, Alistair Thorne, who always had a frown on his face, actually laughed at Skyler''s words!


    Alisa and George both could only watch in a daze as Alistair patted Skyler on the back.


    "The Battle Royal is no child''s play. You returning from that hell alive is already a miracle. I am glad my nephew didn''t die before he even met me. Good job."


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled with a smile.


    Now that Alistair had acknowledged him, it was clear his suspicion had dissipated, or perhaps lessened, compared to before.


    If he had known the news Alisa shared could change Alistair''s opinion of him so easily, he would have shared it sooner!


    Even though he knew, Alistair was likely pondering how Skyler''s achievement could be leveraged by the Royal family, even if his claim of being one of them was false.


    Skyler wasn''t naive.


    He had read a lot about the royal family in the book, and that was enough to tell him what they prioritized: power and talent.


    He trailed behind Alistair as they began to walk, completely ignoring the icy glares the Prince and Princess were sending his way.


    Now, he was a prince too, alright! Let''s not mention, he had even been a King once!


    Alisa could only turn to Alistair''s aid to understand what was going on. When she finally grasped the situation, the glare she directed at Skyler became even colder.


    She was certain he was an imposter and vowed to kick him out of the Royal Castle once his deception was proven.

 Chapter 124 124: Why am I feeling down?

    After Skyler left the academy, a familiar figure arrived before the First Year Elite student building where Skyler resided.


    Alfanzo''s frustration was palpable as he entered the building. But unfortunately, he was still unable to find the young man he had been looking for, even in his room.


    "Where the hell did he go?"


    He checked his phone.


    "The VP mentioned this is his room. He should be here if he''s not taking classes."


    He headed towards the Vice Principal''s office, but the news that awaited him left him completely dumbfounded. It was even more surprising than discovering Skyler Ironhart possessed a treasure tracking skill.


    "You are telling me he left for the Royal Castle? He wasn''t supposed to leave the academy. That''s the government order."


    Doris winced, her fingers massaging her temples as weariness settled over her.


    Since accepting Skyler into the academy, her workload and stress had skyrocketed.


    "Prince Alistair Thorne took him. Do you think the government would say anything? They work for the royal family. Why would they oppose the prince''s decision?"


    Alfanzo turned silent as he digested her words, only nodding in response.


    ''Tsk, I was late. I wanted to offer Skyler to join my guild after he was finished with the academy. The guild leader wouldn''t have rejected the idea knowing about him.''


    He left the VP office, annoyed. In the end, Alfanzo decided to conceal everything he had seen about Skyler for the time being.


    "I will tell the guild leader everything after I have confirmed everything. It''s not like that kid would stay with the royal family forever. For whatever reason the prince took Skyler, he would send him back soon because he is a student of the Starlight Academy."


    ***


    Meanwhile, inside the Battle Royal, sitting atop a rock, Jenny suddenly felt a strange sense of loss for some reason.


    She bit her lip.


    "What now? Why am I feeling down?"


    Shaking her head, she glanced at Max and Austin who were looking down the edge of the mountain they were on. It had been so many days, but they all had found no clue about the Gate leading to the next level. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To make matters worse, due to the angry dragon on their trail, they were no longer allowed to leave the Battle Royal.


    Jenny took a deep, shuddering breath and launched herself off the rock, landing with a soft thud. Her gaze was unwavering, cool as ice, as she approached the others.


    "Did you guys find any clues? What about your systems? Are they still saying that we are not eligible to leave?"


    She asked, her voice low and steady.


    Austin tsked instead of answering. His silence spoke volumes. It was Max who shook his head in response. His injury had healed thanks to the many healing potions he had consumed. But the worry lines on his handsome face had only worsened.


    "I fear we have to stay in this place longer. A lot longer than master Moore predicted."


    The words hung in the air, a thick fog of frustration settling over the group. Yet, no one commented. Anyway, just like always, they would discover a way as long as they stayed together and pushed forward.


    Max''s golden eyes shifted from Jenny''s face to the familiar screen flickering before him.


    #Goddness of Compassion: It should be around here. You need to jump down from this place. That jerk, Keeper of ???, took a lot from me to sell me this information. I still don''t know how he got this information, but I have confirmed with others that it''s valid.


    His brow furrowed as he peered down the sheer drop of the mountain. Did they really have to jump? It was a terrifying height.


    They could fly, of course, but Max wasn''t sure how to tell his team to jump down a mountain, without sounding insane. In the end, he bit his tongue and decided to come clean. Anyway, his friends would soon be able to talk with higher beings once they went to the higher levels of Battle Royal.


    He had already lied to them a lot.


    Even then, he held back a lot, only telling them about the Goddess and that he had only started talking to her recently.


    It was just a tiny lie¡ªhe had been talking with the Goddess for a long, long time.


    That''s how they all ended up inside a very familiar chamber, filled with broken statues and countless chairs. As they stood before the chairs, they also noticed the golden names that floated above three of them.


    Jenny clenched her fists.


    "Sky? He arrived here before us."


    Elena''s eyes, however, were fixed on the other familiar name next to Skyler''s.


    "Zack Everlette? The same we know!?"


    Max''s gaze fell upon the last name.


    "Charles Mahson. He was here too."


    Austin raised his hand, interrupting the tension. His question was different.


    "Guys, shouldn''t we be more curious about how they managed to shatter the statues in this place? With the lingering scent of blood, it''s obvious a battle took place here."


    All heads turned to him.


    They hadn''t missed what he''d noticed.


    Max''s frown deepened further.


    "Skyler isn''t powerful. Nor Charles. Let alone Zack, who we all know. How did they defeat the statues? I can tell, thanks to a skill, that the statues were all 15-star."


    Austin slapped his fist over his hand.


    "That''s what I''m saying! Three people who we all know were barely 5-star defeated so many 15-star statues. Yet, we don''t know how. Only when we meet the trio can we uncover what actually went down here."


    Max opened his mouth but closed it again. He was at a loss for words. The situation was too perplexing. The air was heavy with many unanswered questions. Regardless, they all settled down on the empty chairs and received a familiar pendant. A similar notification flashed in front of them all.


    ("Congratulations Host!


    You have found a pass to enter the ''Mythic Trial of Fighters''. Further information will be shared with you when the trial, held in the higher realm, is opened to the outsiders.")


    With this, thanks to Skyler''s interference, the story ''Fate of Eldoria'' had completely veered off its intended track. After all, in the original¡ªthe first timeline¡ªMax Smith was the only one who entered the Mythic Trial of Fighters.

 Chapter 125 125: Can I take this?

    From the window of an expensive flying vehicle, Skyler looked out as he sat in the back seat with his so-called cousins. They were traveling towards the Royal Castle.


    Alistair and the other man sat in the front, the other driving the vehicle while Alistair browsing through a tablet in his hand.


    They briefly stopped at a restaurant for a light lunch. After all, while Alistair and his aide could go without eating for months, the three youngsters with them couldn''t.


    Skyler took full advantage of the situation, ordering all the most expensive items. His uncle was paying, so why should he care? His uncle was wealthy, and he was just a poor little guy with nothing to his name.


    Riruru could only watch in silence as the table in the private room they entered was filled with a variety of dishes. However, she still preferred Skyler''s cooking. As a result, she didn''t eat much, very unlike Skyler, who was determined not to waste any food.


    Alisa''s disdain toward Skyler increased further as she watched him stuff himself. She and George failed to notice the details their uncle, Alistair Thorne, was observing. Skyler''s posture was impeccable, his back straight, even as he ate a lot. There was an air of nobility about him, an innate grace in his every movement. It was as if he once held a place of great power, a place that had instilled in him a regal bearing.


    ''Hmm, that''s odd. Riya was the clumsiest among us. Did she make her son go through etiquette lessons or something? In this era?''


    He furrowed his brows. But quickly forgot about it when he saw the bill. 10,000 star coins. Just for one simple lunch?


    Even for him, it was a bit shocking.


    Alistair sighed and gestured for his aide to settle the bill. He was a prince. This much was nothing to him. However, he couldn''t believe Riya''s son was such a spendthrift.


    Once finished, they entered the familiar flying vehicle again. Skyler settled into the back seat, a contented breath escaping his lips. He rubbed his cheek against Riruru and let out a yawn, earning a disgusted look from Alisa. He didn''t seem to really care, though, treating her as if she were invisible.


    It was actually Riruru who hissed at the princess, startling her out of her seat. The pair of crimson eyes glared at Alisa, as if asking, ''What are you looking at?''


    Skyler burst into a chuckle.


    A warm feeling bloomed in his chest at Riruru''s sudden protective gesture. Even though he knew she wasn''t jealous, she didn''t know the meaning of jealousy yet.


    Oh, if only he knew. She was. Very much. Jealous. Because Alisa was sitting next to him. And Riruru felt irritated due to that.


    The rest of the journey was very quiet, with Alisa Thorne trying her best to scoot away from Skyler, or more specifically, from the dangerous snake with him. Soon, the car finally arrived before the Royal Castle.


    Skyler gazed out of the open window. The towering structure in front of him was huge and beautiful, made of powerful materials.


    Four tall, pointy towers, reaching for the sky, marked the corners of the immense edifice, while the thick walls, adorned with flowing curtains, whispered tales of elegant power.


    Embedded within the fabric, insignia of two white wings, stretched wide, proclaimed the Thorne royal family''s lineage and legacy.


    The next second, Alistair Thorne''s Evol spread out, announcing his arrival.


    The many guards in armor guarding the castle gate, emanating powerful auras, who were attracted to the flying car, immediately retreated upon sensing his Evol. It was as if they were all too familiar with the man.


    Alistair glanced at Skyler in the rearview mirror one last time and disappeared. His aide remained silent and then just simply maneuvered the vehicle into the castle.


    They landed in the center of a massive garden within the castle grounds.


    Skyler stepped out of the car, taking in the scenery. He had noticed that his uncle had disappeared, but he didn''t care. His goal of reaching the Royal Castle was complete.


    His eyes sparkled as he looked around.


    Multiple powerful crystals, connected to other realms, floated inside and above the Royal Castle, catching the bright sunlight and sparkling like diamonds on a crown.


    The Royal Castle itself was quite exquisite, almost to his taste. If only he had one too.


    Skyler rubbed his hands, which itched for some reason, and took a long, deep breath. Why? Because he knew very well that once he entered the castle, he would see many sparkling things. He had to control himself.


    In a way, he knew he was a prince as well, but he couldn''t just take whatever he liked in the castle¡ªnot yet, at least. He first needed to make the Queen see him favorably. Only then could he do whatever he wanted.


    "This is going to be very difficult..."


    He took another breath as a few servants, clad in fine livery clothes, approached them to guide them to the hall where the Queen''s other grandchildren were already waiting. Apparently, they were the last to arrive.


    Seeing him so nervous, Alisha scoffed. If only she knew that he was mentally telling himself not to put everything sparkling he saw in the castle into his storage ring.


    Skyler trailed behind them as they left the garden and soon passed through another gate leading into the main structure. He did his best to not let his eyes wander. Yet, the castle had to be so damn sparkly!


    He bit his tongue and quickened his pace. But he froze as they entered a corridor, his gaze drawn to a massive gem embedded in the wall. It emanated warm Evol, likely to regulate the temperature of the place.


    Sensing him pause, the others stopped as well. The only adult with the group, Alistair''s aide, turned to him. He still wasn''t sure how to address him. So he offered a tentative.


    "Young man...?" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler pointed at the gem in the wall, his eyes dazed and filled with expectation.


    "Can I take this?"

 Chapter 126 126: How weak

    The taller man blinked, following Skyler''s pointing finger. His lips twitched as he saw the gem fixed in the wall, but he schooled his face and shook his head at the youth.


    "No, you can''t."


    Skyler''s shoulders visibly slumped.


    With his eyes downcast, he nodded.


    "Oh...."


    Casting one final furtive glance at the gem and secretly memorizing its location in his head, because, ahem, for the future, Skyler followed after the servants. Alisha scoffed at him, thinking just how poor he was for wanting a temperature-regulating gem?


    Her perception of him dropped further.


    Now, to the princess, Skyler was merely a pathetic imposter¡ªone who needed to be kicked out soon to avoid tainting the air.


    Passing through a few more chambers, they finally arrived at their destination. As the door of the grand hall opened and they stepped in, Skyler''s eyes were immediately drawn to the majestic throne at the end of the hall, resting atop an elevated platform reached by stairs draped in red carpet.


    Then, he glanced at the huge gleaming chandelier casting light upon everything, followed by paintings depicting scenes of past royal triumphs adorning the walls.


    Only after that did he notice the people present in the hall. One... two... three... he counted inwardly. There were a total of six young figures, some looking younger than him, some a year or two older, standing in the hall alongside three older individuals.


    All of their eyes traveled to Skyler and the people with him, only to pause at him. He was a new face they hadn''t seen before.


    A few murmurs echoed in the air as the people greeted Alisha and George. One of the taller boys in the youngsters, with light blue eyes speckled with dark, glanced at him after he shook George''s hand.


    "Who is that?"


    Alisha was the one who responded. She was greeting her father as she turned to him. Her tone was dismissive and disdainful.


    "Don''t pay him any mind. Just a beggar Uncle Alistair picked up. He will be running soon enough with his tail tucked between his legs, once his lie is exposed."


    Skyler''s ears perked up, his gaze finally leaving the throne. Wow, this was the first time anyone had called him a beggar, even though they had seen his handsome face!


    A flicker of annoyance crossed his face.


    He rolled his eyes, silently adding Alisha''s name to his blacklist. He would teach this princess some manners later. For now, he had a different priority. His gaze swept over the faces present.


    ''Just as I read in the novel, including Alisha and George, there are eight people who will enter the tomb with me.''


    He also checked his two other uncles and one aunt, the brothers and sister of Riya.


    ''Hmm, they all look different from Mom. Except for their eyes... Is this the Thorne family trait? Blue eyes? Strange. My eyes are a more clearer shade of blue. Theirs have a more prominent black hue.''


    Before anyone could understand Alisha''s words or question her meaning, a hush fell over the hall. A rather old voice, amplified by Evol, boomed through the entire hall.


    "Make way for Her Majesty, the Queen!"


    The door of the hall swung open, followed by an oppressive, warm aura. A regal figure, her emotionless, cold face etched with an air of authority, calmly walked into the hall. Clad in a tailored suit, she wore a magnificent cloak of gold velvet, draped over her shoulder.


    Immediately, everyone in the hall bowed in respect. Skyler also mimicked the person next to him, his eyes trailing the woman who was supposedly his grandmother.


    He sucked in a breath.


    The queen didn''t look old.


    Not at all. She appeared to be in her mid-forties or, at most, late forties.


    ''How is it possible for her to appear so young? She must be incredibly powerful.''


    He ducked his gaze when those clear blue eyes turned to him, probably because his presence was new and unfamiliar.


    The Queen paused in her steps. Her gaze lingered on Skyler for a moment longer. Yet, she ignored him the next second. Stepping onto the platform at the end of the hall, she was soon seated atop the throne, the only seat in the hall. The two guards following behind her stood on either side of her.


    She waved her hand dismissively.


    "Rise. No need for formalities."


    That''s it. Simple, cold, and concise. Even though she was talking with her own flesh and blood¡ªher children and grandchildren.


    However, everyone present seemed to be already used to her cold countenance. No one said anything and stood straight.


    After all, this was how she was.


    Elizabeth Thorne.


    The Queen of the human Continent.


    She swept her gaze over everyone, her finger tapping the armrest of the throne.


    "As far as I remember, I only have eight grandchildren who are between the ages of 16 and 25. Why do I see one more?"


    Her words stunned everyone present.


    All eyes turned toward Skyler, who was trying to hide, hoping to make himself less noticeable. The royals had a hunch about his identity when they saw his blue eyes, but to think he was truly one of them...


    Unbelievable!


    Nevertheless, the question was, who were his parents? The queen''s daughter and two sons present glanced at each other, trying to determine if one of them had an affair.


    Alisha was the most shocked. She had mocked Skyler, calling him a liar. Yet, the Queen was declaring him her grandson in front of everyone, without any proof?


    It was at that moment that Alistair Thorne returned. He had vanished earlier, however, luckily he returned just as the Queen posed the question that no one had an answer to. He greeted the Queen first before scanning the room, his gaze finally settling on Skyler.


    "I brought him here. He is Riya''s son."


    Elizabeth''s fingers, tapping the armrest, paused. Her eyes once again dropped to Skyler, this time with more intensity.


    Yet, unlike her shocked children, only two words escaped her lips, despite the fact that she hadn''t seen Riya Thorne for years.


    "I see."


    She turned to Alistair, her oldest son and the only one who had refused to marry.


    "Good. We need as many youngsters with royal blood as possible. The fact that you don''t have children is frustrating enough."


    Skyler scoffed inwardly at her words. She had summoned her grandchildren, except those who hadn''t awakened their potential yet, to send them into a place where there was a chance they might not return alive.


    ''Truly heartless.''


    He snapped out of his thoughts when suddenly Elizabeth Thorne stood up.


    "Come forward, all the young ones. We don''t have time for idle chatter. We must proceed with the preparations as soon as possible. Your parents must have already informed you that you will be entering a tomb."


    All the young royals present nodded.


    Skyler followed his eight cousins, joining the line that formed in front of the Queen who looked down at them from above.


    She surveyed them, her lips curving into a cold smile. Once she had scrutinized each one, her gaze showed disappointment.


    "How weak. Each and every one of you."


    Elizabeth looked at the nine youngsters. She stopped on two in the end: a girl with pigtails and a short, muscular boy.


    "You two."


    She said, her voice sharp as ice.


    "What is wrong with your elemental crystals? They aren''t stable at all."


    Her icy gaze immediately turned to the youngsters'' father. It was her middle son.


    "How can you be so careless? Did you not supervise your children''s growth, despite all the resources I''ve provided?"


    The man scrambled to explain himself. He was in no way weak, a strong 20-star Light, but in front of his mother, he always felt like a speck of dust. Yet, Elizabeth shut him off.


    "No need. Spare me your excuses."


    She pressed her fingers to her temples before looking at Alistair Thorne.


    "How much time do we have before the ancient tomb seals itself and disappears? We can''t afford to miss this opportunity. Not with one of Eldoria''s most powerful weapons resting inside those walls."


    He replied without hesitation.


    "I assessed the situation as soon as I returned. Based on my calculations, the tomb will seal itself in ten days. If I could, I would have gone in to retrieve the weapon myself. But its gate has restrictions. Only those of Thorne family blood, aged 16 to 25, are allowed entry. Our only option is to send in the younger ones and wait."


    Elizabeth clenched her fists, then sighed. She regained her composure instantly.


    "We need that weapon. You know it''s vital. The future of countless people depends on it. Not many know, but it''s the only item that can halt the disaster threatening Eldoria."


    She waved her hand dismissively.


    "The only positive news is we can send more people into the tomb with the young ones. Everyone entering the tomb can bring three others of similar age with them, even if they aren''t of the same family. These people just need to be very loyal to them."


    Elizabeth sat down again in her seat, her gaze sweeping over everyone before settling on Skyler. He was the only youngster whose elemental crystals were in decent shape.


    "It''s truly a good thing because with the strength of the youngsters before me, I''m sure they will all easily perish in the ancient tomb, let alone find the powerful weapon." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler nodded, agreeing with her. His cousins were really weak. They needed to work very hard, like him. Unfortunately, they weren''t the main character of this event.


    He was. Hehe.

 Chapter 127 127: The Lost Sapphire of Serenity I

    Just as the Queen finished speaking, she waved her hand, and everyone present felt the air tremble slightly. The space around them twisted and warped, and ultimately only her oldest son, Alistair, and the nine young figures remained in the hall.


    The rest had vanished.


    Skyler''s eyes widened. Did the Queen just use a space element skill or spell to send everyone away? With a wave of her hand? How convenient! Those standing around him were in a similar state of shock.


    ''I want to learn this skill too!''


    Elizabeth turned to Alistair.


    "Explain what''s needed to them."


    Nodding, the taller man hurriedly stepped forward and stood before the youngsters.


    "As many of you already know, you will be entering a tomb. Even if you don''t, I would not go into details. They aren''t necessary."


    His calm gaze fell on Skyler, the only one who was in the dark about everything. This kid had only come to meet the Queen, but was thrust into this perilous situation. His timing couldn''t have been worse.


    Alistair would have preferred not to send Riya''s son into the tomb, but they had no other option. With the imminent threat of extinction looming over their planet, not just theirs, but every ruling family across Eldoria was taking desperate measures.


    Still, knowing Skyler had cleared the first level of Battle Royal in a very short amount of time, at least, he didn''t have to worry that he lacked combat experience. He was also a 9-star at only 18. A good seedling indeed.


    Alistair was sure he wouldn''t die easily.


    Sighing inwardly, he continued.


    "Your primary objective is to stay alive and bring back the Lost Sapphire of Serenity. It''s a dormant Mythic-tier sword that vanished long ago. According to the old records, it is resting in the very center of the tomb that belonged to a king from a bygone era."


    His eyes turned solemn.


    "None of you would be able to wield that powerful sword because only those above 20-star are capable of wielding it. You just need to find it and bring it out of the tomb. The one who succeeds will be granted any wish they have by the Queen. The tomb is also filled with treasures. All that you find there is yours, except for the sword." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Skyler raised his hand tentatively.


    "Grandmother said we could bring people with us. I don''t have anyone with me except Riruru. It would be hard to find anyone who trusts me, or whom I trust, in a short time. So, I wanted to know, can I go in alone?"


    Hearing him, all his cousins gasped. No, not because he wanted to enter the tomb alone, but because he dared to address the Queen as ''grandmother''! Even the bravest among them had never done that!


    They were even more shocked when the Queen didn''t seem offended. She merely gave him a surprised look, and that''s it!


    Alistair immediately dismissed him.


    "No. We''ve already selected many powerful young individuals to follow you all. They are all loyal to the royalty and specially trained."


    He fixed his gaze on Riruru''s figure.


    "The snake with you is powerful, but I have confirmed with the royal mages that beasts can''t enter the tomb. Therefore, I will select three individuals to go with you. They will act as your guards and help you in there."


    Skyler''s eyes widened.


    "Riruru can''t go with me??"


    He hugged the snake clinging to his arm when Alistair nodded his head in response.


    "What the..."


    Skyler muttered a curse under his breath. None of the protagonist team, nor anyone in the royal family, were beast tamers.


    It was a very costly class. Because unlike the others, beast tamers required a lot of resources to nurture their beasts.


    Understandably, not many pursued it.


    That''s why in the original timeline, during this event, no beast entered the tomb. So, he forgot to take into account that Riruru might not be able to go with him.


    His brows furrowed as he thought about where he should leave Riruru. He couldn''t leave her with just anyone! She could even transform into a human now ¨C a very, very beautiful and pretty one at that!


    Elizabeth noticed his solemn gaze.


    Not just her, everyone present did. The others just thought he was overreacting. But the Queen''s lips twitched upward because her eyes could see what others couldn''t.


    ''Where did he find such an exquisite creature? Truly fascinating.''


    Elizabeth drummed her fingers on the armrest. Then, all of a sudden, her voice, calm and commanding, filled the hall.


    "If you are worried about your little beast, leave her with me. I will take care of her."


    Skyler''s head snapped towards the Queen, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. Why would the Queen want to take care of Riruru? Had she perhaps sensed something about her?


    Sensing his unease, Elizabeth chuckled.


    "I gave my word. Do you think, as the ruler of this continent, I would break it? Besides, I''m sure Riruru would be happy to stay with me. You can ask her."


    Skyler''s lips fell open. How did the Queen know Riruru''s name? He had not uttered it, and neither had Alistair. His Uncle had called her a ''snake'', a ''beast'', but never by name.


    So how?


    He turned to Riruru, only to find the snake gazing at the Queen with surprised eyes.


    "Riruru??"


    She finally turned her gaze toward him. Yet, the words that echoed inside his head left him rooted in his spot.


    ''I will stay... with her. You can go.''


    Skyler could only watch dazedly, his world tilting on its axis, as his dear, precious, one and only Riruru abandoned him and went toward his evil grandmother! His shocked eyes traveled toward the Queen.


    "Why? She had never left my side so willingly before! What did you do?"


    Alistair was prepared to scold him for his casual tone with the Queen. But Elizabeth raised a hand to stop him. Her eyes glinted with amusement as she lifted the beautiful snake, who had arrived beside the throne.


    "I know beast language."


    The Queen explained, her voice firm.


    "I told her telepathically that I would teach her how to understand us while you''re away. I have been rather stressed lately. Guiding her will be a welcome change of pace."


    Skyler didn''t even listen to what she was saying. His gaze was fixed on Riruru, who settled down on the Queen''s lap. His gaze stayed fixed on her until he was dragged away by Alistair, who grabbed him by the collar because they didn''t have time.


    As the huge door of the hall closed shut before him, he couldn''t help but mutter.


    "Riruru? How can you leave me?"


    His eyes filled with grievance.


    Alistair was speechless at the crestfallen young man. The other youngsters simply snickered, laughed, or ignored him.


    Skyler''s shoulders dropped. He cast one last glance at the closed door before him and was about to turn away to leave when Riruru''s voice sounded in his head.


    ''Come back soon.''


    His eyes brightened as he spun around.


    "On second thought, I shouldn''t leave my dear Riruru with someone I just met today. Even if that someone is my grandmother. I will send her to somewhere safe¡ª"


    His words were cut off with a gasp when Alistair Thorne grabbed his shoulder and tossed him into a portal he had crafted.


    All his cousins followed him before their uncle did the same to them. Then Alistair stepped into the portal, vanishing.


    Behind the huge closed doors, Elizabeth gazed at the snake curled up on her lap.


    "If you want, you can transform into a human. It''s just the two of us here."


    Riruru shook her head. She wouldn''t do it because Skyler had instructed her not to. Not in front of anyone else.


    She would never have left Skyler''s side if not for the fact that the Queen claimed to possess something that could make her soul stronger. Plus, Elizabeth promised to teach her the human language and rules.


    The Queen''s offer was tempting. So, she decided to stay behind, although it pained her to watch Skyler leave. But Riruru told herself this was to stay with him longer.


    With her constant transformations into a human, her life force was dwindling. Unlike before, when she didn''t fear death because she was alone, now she didn''t want to die because she wanted to stay with Skyler.


    Elizabeth arched an eyebrow, but then let it go. Maybe Riruru wasn''t comfortable around her yet. It was understandable, given the fact that they had just met.


    "You have angel power within you. It''s mixed with another kind of power I don''t recognize. Still, I wouldn''t have known you were a half-angel if my husband wasn''t a fallen angel. It''s shocking how easily I recognize it."


    Riruru blinked as she looked at her.


    Half-angel? What angel?


    Elizabeth let out a sigh at the confused crimson eyes staring directly at her.


    "Perhaps you are lucky you met me. At least, lucky enough before you died."

 Chapter 128 128: The Lost Sapphire of Serenity II

    Skyler scrambled to balance himself as he fell out of the portal he was tossed into. Just as he regained his balance, his furious gaze snapped back at the culprit.


    But he instantly curbed his anger when he remembered the power difference between him and his uncle. If he angered the man, he would die without even knowing how.


    Grumbling inwardly about having to leave Riruru with the Queen, he finally took in the place he had arrived at with the rest. It was an underground chamber illuminated by many lights hanging in different places.


    Skyler''s eyes fell onto the huge towering gate in the center of the chamber. It was a wooden gate, nothing impressive, and was emanating the aura of death and decay.


    "The tomb entrance..."


    He muttered silently. The chamber before him was just as described in the book. And he knew they were currently underneath the Royal Castle. Under his gaze, the multiple guards stationed around the Gate instantly greeted Alistair when they saw him.


    Alistair acknowledged the armored guard who appeared to be in charge with a nod.


    Then, he proceeded to talk with a few old individuals standing at the other side of the chamber, talking with the youths who were specifically picked and trained to enter the tomb as the trusted confidant of the royals.


    Skyler watched everything with a sense of eagerness. After separating with Riruru, he was even more in a hurry to enter the tomb so he could come back as soon as he can. He nodded when suddenly one of the older individuals in robes, who he found were the royal mages, gave him a storage ring filled with all the necessary items he needs to survive and a small life-saving artifact.


    He excitedly checked the storage ring and the square-shaped life-saving artifact that snuggly curled around his arm like vines. A hint of dissatisfaction flickered in his eyes when he failed to see any shiny thing in the storage ring given to him. Not even a single crystal or gold coin.


    ''The royal family is so stingy...!''


    He glared daggers at Alistair''s back.


    First, this man had dragged him here to enter an ancient tomb with no preparation whatsoever. Now, the things he was giving him weren''t even worth 100k star coins?


    Guaranteed, Skyler planned everything! Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But still, couldn''t he give him something worthwhile? Like a few pretty gems??


    One of his dear cousins, Rhys, a muscular 20-year-old youth clad in an expensive suit, noticed him staring at Alistair and scoffed.


    "What are you staring at? Keep your eyes down. Your lie will soon be exposed when the tomb rejects your entry. Be prepared for the worst punishment ever, liar!"


    Alisha chimed in with a sly smirk.


    "Indeed, it would be a fun sight."


    Her smirk widened when she saw Skyler''s hardened face. Unaware, he was lamenting the royals'' stinginess and planning how to steal everything valuable in the tomb. After all, he had read the book and felt confident that he knew enough about it to pull it off.


    Alisha and Rhys'' words caused some of their cousins to snicker and chuckle. What angered them was that the subject of their discussion wasn''t even paying attention.


    Though simmering with frustration, they forced themselves to not be openly hostile.


    In no time, Alistair turned his attention to them and then quickly proceeded to assign three trusted confidants, all of whom were between the ages of 16 and 25, to each of the nine chosen princes and princesses.


    Skyler glanced at the two young men and one young woman who arrived beside him after getting a signal from Alistair Thorne. Like everyone else, the trio was clad in tight dark combat suits. The lady held a spear, while the two men wore knuckle guards.


    The only thing the three shared was the solemn frown on their young faces.


    He flashed a smile at his three confidants, whom he planned to abandon immediately after they entered the tomb. He had plans, and they simply weren''t part of them.


    However, the three simply nodded. His charming smile had no impact on them.


    Skyler didn''t admit defeat though. Even if they were icebergs, he wanted to talk.


    "Hi, my name is Skyler. Hope we get along inside the tomb. There''s only one thing you three need to do in there. That is not to die."


    The three pairs of eyes widened slightly in surprise, and once again, the trio nodded.


    Unlike the other trained confidants, these three were the offspring of the royal guards, summoned only a while ago to accompany a new prince who had just arrived. Knowing nothing about him, the trio hadn''t expected much from him. But he didn''t seem bad.


    Their loyalty lies with the royal family.


    Therefore, it was clear they would protect him, but hearing him worry about their lives when even their parents didn''t, they at least wouldn''t regret following him around.


    Skyler scratched his chin awkwardly when his confidants didn''t speak in response. The center of his eyes glinted with a pure white color that went unnoticed by everyone.


    "At least tell me your names?"


    He didn''t like it that they had to enter the dangerous tomb because of him.


    But there was little he could do.


    Not to mention, he was going to abandon them in the tomb. The three would have to fend for themselves. It was clear that even if they survived and returned, they would be punished by Alistair once they were out for not doing their duty of staying by his side.


    They looked to be around his age. So, he didn''t want to be the cause of their deaths.


    The trio''s faces softened visibly at his question. A hint of a smile flashed in their eyes. The woman among them stepped forward and bowed slightly before him.


    "Myself, Rasha, the two men with me are twins. They are known as Six and Seven."


    Skyler let out an ''Oh''. Although their names were a bit strange, as if their parents hadn''t really put much effort into naming them, he still nodded politely. Next second, Alistair''s voice prompted him to look at the man.


    Everyone was already gathered in front of the massive Gate of the tomb except him.


    Alisha Thorne smirked at him, thinking he was delaying because he knew his lie would be exposed the instant he tried to enter the Gate. A sweet voice drawled out of her lips.


    "Come cousin. How about you enter first?"


    Rhys, George, and her other male cousins mused, making way for Skyler to enter the tomb first. Not out of consideration, but to prove that he was nothing but an imposter.


    They knew the Queen had called Skyler her grandson and his eyes were blue, but they still didn''t believe he was one of them.


    Over the years, there were many who had tried to enter the royal family pretending to be one of them since the time Riya Thorne disappeared, only for them to try to harm them when their backs were turned.


    Skyler blinked and shamelessly stepped forward with an amused glint in his eyes.


    "Now that the princess is so politely asking me, I wouldn''t reject and will take the offer."


    He chuckled when Alisha''s smile stiffened. Wondering if he should help them. Since in the book, each and every one of them died. Only the protagonist team, who entered the tomb as Jenny''s trusted confidants, barely survived. Still, even they failed to find and bring back the Lost Sapphire of Serenity.


    ''The protagonist and his damn over-the-top luck! He and his team survived the calamity in the tomb. Not only did they survive it, but Max even consumed ''The Crimson Tear of the King'' that the calamity was protecting, which belonged to the Thorne family.''


    Skyler clicked his tongue inwardly as he made his way toward the tomb gate under the watchful eyes of many individuals. The guards, the mages, his Uncle, and his eight cousins. His three confidants, Rasha, Six, and Seven followed behind him solemnly.


    His hand hovered over the Gate, about to touch it. Then, he abruptly turned, his gaze sweeping across the assembled crowd. A sigh escaped him as his eyes met Alistair''s, and then, one by one, those of his cousins.


    "I know none of you will listen to me."


    He paused, carefully choosing his words.


    "However, you all are rich, so take a lot of life-saving treasures into the tomb. I have never entered one myself, but it''s perilous, right? If I could, I would be the only one to go in. But ultimately, the choice is yours."


    This was Skyler''s way of being good to his annoying, distant family members. Still, he knew his words held very little weight.


    He had just arrived ¨C why would they listen to him? And how could he tell them he had read in a book that they were all destined to die without sounding utterly insane?


    The eyes on him flickered with confusion, but before anyone could understand what he meant, he had already pressed his hand on the wooden door, emanating the aura of death and decay. The next second, a bright light flashed in the chamber and swallowed him. Instantly, his three confidants followed his actions and vanished as well. Leaving behind a deadly silent chamber.

 Chapter 129 129: The Lost Sapphire of Serenity III

    In a modern chamber adorned with potted plants and curtains that veiled the windows, a handsome, tall man stood by the window, chuckling at his dear wife. The next instant, a mellow voice rang out in the chamber.


    "So you kidnapped the little snake because she is from the place I came from? Hmm."


    Damien teased with a smirk, but Elizabeth Thorne didn''t seem the least bit affected by his words, making him release a sigh.


    "How not fun."


    He grumbled, but as he moved, the skin on his hand cracked like fragile glass, causing the Queen to leave the snake in her hand on the table in front of her and rush to his side.


    Her blue eyes were filled with so much worry that she never spared anyone else.


    "My Dear, why did you leave the bed? You need rest. Why don''t you listen to me?"


    A wry smile played on Damien''s lips, his purple eyes downcast. He knew his time was running out. As a fallen angel, staying alive in the human realm for so long was a remarkable feat. Yet, he never discouraged his wife''s tireless search for a cure. He just couldn''t bear to shatter her hope, knowing her heart would break upon his passing.


    "I am fine. I can walk a bit thanks to your Evol. I survived so long all because of you."


    He reached out, tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear with a smile.


    "Thank you for everything. However, you don''t need to do anything more. What you did for me so far is already enough. I am from a distant and high place..."


    He glanced at Riruru who watched them.


    "This little half-angel is still young, and her soul is incomplete. She wouldn''t be able to help me heal with her strength. Just fulfill what you promised to her, okay?"


    Elizabeth''s eyes reddened as he coughed and stumbled, the harsh rasp of his breath echoing in the silence. Gone was the cold, indifferent Queen, replaced by a ordinary woman consumed by a desperate grief.


    "Don''t speak."


    She whispered, her calm voice trembling.


    "We will talk later, okay? I will pour my Evol into your body. So, rest until you feel fine."


    Damien smiled faintly and straightened up. Then, he dramatically hissed and wrapped his arm around her waist, leaning against her as she helped him to the bed.


    Riruru blinked her innocent eyes. When the Queen suddenly leaned in to kiss the weak, handsome man laying on the massive bed, her eyes sparkled with confusion.


    ''What are they doing?''


    She even leaned her small head forward with narrow eyes to clear her confusion.


    Even though the couple separated from each other after the small moment, they had already made the snake curious.


    Riruru''s gaze darted between the two.


    Ultimately, she posed a very innocent question to Elizabeth through telepathy.


    The Queen, hearing her query, turned her head back to her with a raised eyebrow.


    "You want to know what we were doing? Well, how about you ask your partner? I''m sure he can answer you better about this."


    Riruru nodded solemnly. Her innocent mind was already tainted, as she mentally noted that she had to ask Skyler about this later.


    She accidentally ended up imagining doing the same to Skyler, and her body, which had always been very cold, heated up, leaving her feeling hot and bothered all over.


    She furrowed her brows and tried to clear her mind. This was not good. This feeling was very similar to the urge to mate. While she wasn''t familiar with human matters, she understood the instincts of beasts.


    But could they experience it too, despite their physical differences? How could that even work? It was strange. Still, she knew she needed to confirm all this with Skyler.


    Suddenly, the chamber was disrupted by a knock on the double doors. All eyes turned to the entrance, and Elizabeth quickly rose to her feet. Her indifferent gaze returned.


    "Come in."


    A familiar figure hurriedly entered the chamber. Alistair Thorne. Her eldest son.


    He greeted his mother. Then turned to his father, who had become very ill a few years ago. The illness was severe enough that he was unable to even leave his chamber. His gaze softened as he greeted his father.


    "Father. I hope you are feeling better."


    Damien nodded with a smile.


    "I am fine. Take care of yourself."


    His glowing purple gaze traveled to his heart, and instantly his smile widened.


    "Congratulations, my dear son. You''ve reached the final stage of 24-star."


    Alistair wasn''t surprised his father could sense his strength, even though Alistair was officially the second strongest in the human continent after Guild Leader Argon.


    Damien was ill, but no one knew just how powerful he was. Alistair and his siblings had only seen him train when they were young, but it always left them in awe. Muttering a genuine thanks, he turned to his mother.


    "All the youngsters had entered the tomb. But I have some bad news."


    Elizabeth''s brows furrowed deeply.


    "What bad news?"


    "The media had somehow found out about the tomb. Many channels are talking about it and demanding that the royals disclose information about it and who entered it."


    Elizabeth''s brows relaxed.


    "That''s it?"


    He nodded, and she hummed.


    "Let them talk. This was going to spread anyway. Also, release the names of those who had entered. There''s no need to hide. I''m sure the Dark Lights already know what we are doing. They are definitely the ones who spread the news about the tomb."


    Alistair nodded and left the chamber.


    Elizabeth picked up Riruru. Glancing at her husband one last time, the Queen took the snake to her personal treasury, overflowing with glowing treasures of nearly all kinds.


    But if one looked closely, they would notice that the space was mostly filled with things that sparkled brilliantly, even if they held no true value and were just ordinary trinkets.


    There, nestled amongst the treasures, a leaf of gold, radiating a divine aura, rested. It was something she found in her youth.


    "I will fulfill my promise. This golden leaf will help you live a little longer, little one."


    She watched as Riruru stared at the leaf.


    "After you have consumed it, I will bring you to your tutors who will help you get familiar with everything about humans."


    ***


    Simultaneously, Skyler sneezed softly as a sudden wave of d¨¦j¨¤ vu washed over him.


    He looked around at the barren land he had arrived at a while ago, his eyes narrowed.


    "Who is talking about me?"


    However, no matter where he looked, he failed to spot anyone. He had abandoned Rasha, Six, and Seven the moment he had arrived inside the tomb. They had actually landed in the same place since the three were acting as his trusted confidants, but he used a silly trick of suddenly asking the trio to look at the sky and disappeared.


    He scratched his chin in confusion and resumed walking. He was definitely being paranoid. Yes, definitely. Otherwise, why would he feel like someone was plotting against him? It wasn''t a bad d¨¦j¨¤ vu, not really. It was more like the kind you get when something unexpected happens.


    If only he knew his senses were tingling because of his innocent little snake.


    Skyler rolled away just as a massive wing swung at him from the side. The starless, moonless sky above him deepened into an even darker shade as he came face to face with a creature composed of Dark Evol.


    It looked just like a wyvern. Its lengthy tail trailed behind it and its dark body flickered like the flame above a candle. But its hollow eye sockets burned with an eerie blue light.


    Skyler''s eyes sparkled with thrill.


    "My first prey showed up! Finally!"


    The wyvern let out a loud cry toward him, the scratchy sound booming and creating dark waves that made his eardrums ring.


    Regardless, it wasn''t a living creature, just something made of Evol, so Skyler wasn''t going to fight it physically. He had decided to opt for range combat in the tomb.


    Jumping back to create distance between himself and the dark creature, he fixed his gaze on its body. Then, instantly he willed the Evol from his space element crystal to stir and come forward at his command. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was muttering the only space element spell he had learned in the academy library for the first time, so he was really not sure about the results. As he muttered the spell, only two words were comprehensible.


    "Cosmic Collapse."


    His eyes widened in shock as the wyvern, composed of Evol, lunged toward him, only to be drawn into the field that materialized before him. The gray field not only sucked in the wyvern''s whole body but all the Evol in its range, creating a force that distorted the very fabric of space in front of him.


    The gray field then collapsed, obliterating everything that it absorbed, including the wyvern. Leaving behind a crackling void.


    "Wow..."


    He exclaimed as the void vanished.


    "This is an Epic tier spell?? So powerful! Why did the academy put such a powerful spell on the second floor?"


    What Skyler didn''t know was that the space element spell he learned was incomplete. It was him who subconsciously completed it.


    Moreover, no student could learn it, even in its incomplete form, due to its difficulty, so it was placed into the Epic tier.


    He rubbed his chest softly when he sensed that he had consumed a lot more space Evol than expected just to use the spell once.


    "I guess I can''t use this spell often."