《The Third Return of the Necrotic Magic Armiger》 <> (Evan Windstone) {Current: Ch 141} Guys, it''s a live-changing Status that changes as the novel progresses. Current Chapter: 141 __ "Nexus Prime System" ¡ó Name: Evan Ravencall (Evan Windstone) ¡ó Race: Human (100%) ¡ó Age: 18 ¡ó Title:[Limit Breaker], [Holder of Monarch Physique] ¡ó Physique:Death Monarch ¡ó Rank: Tier 0 ¡ó Level: 54 [32,875 / 57,000 EXP] ¡ó Class: -Necromancer (SS) -Mage (E) -Weapon Master (F) -Blacksmith (B) [????] -Alchemist (S) [????] -Rune Enchanter (S!) [????] ¡ó Talents: - [Plunder] (?) - [Infinite Evolution & Enchantment] (?) - [Supreme Adaptation] (?) - [Transcendent Body] (?) [????] - [Replica of Halo of Luck ########] (?) [????] ¡ô HP: 6,730 (Regen: 33.65/min) ¡ô MP: 11,110 (Regen: 55.55/min) ¡ô Strength (STR): 14 {+3 Red} (120¡ü) ¡ô Agility (AGL): 21 {+3 Red} (120¡ü) ¡ô Vitality (VIT): 73 {+6 Red} (288¡ü) ¡ô Intelligence (INT): 11 {+11 Red} (480¡ü) ¡ô Endurance (END): 95 {+2 Red} (120¡ü) ¡ô Stamina (STA): 85 {+2 Red} (120¡ü) ¡ô Spirit (SPT): 25 {+3 Red} (144¡ü) ¡ô Unassigned Stats: 1,080 (480¡ü) ¡ô Attack Power: 762 (Physical, {STR+AGL} * ¡ô Defense:580+160 ¡ô Storage Summon:3,250/3,250 Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Abilities" ? [Elemental Manipulation] (SSS) - Fire (E) [36.12%] - Earth (E) [9.01%] - Lightning (F) [65.09%] - Ice (F) [0%] "Skills" Passive: Low-Grade Poison Resistance (Lv.2), Blade of the Tempest (Lv.8), Heat Rampage (Lv.5) Active: Shadow Leap (Lv.11), Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros (Lv.?), Leap (Lv.21), Mighty Roar (Lv.15), Meteor Dash (Lv.9), Seismic Rupture (Lv.2), Camouflage (Lv.6), Blaze Heal (Lv.2) ? [Class Skills] Necromancer (SS): Raise Undead , Necro Heal, Undead Storage, Death Bolt Mage (E): Arcane BoltMana ShieldMagical FocusSpark Weapon Master (F): Weapon Mastery (Passive) , Power Slash , Quick Swap , Basic Battle Instinct "Inventory" [Mysterious Egg] {Tier: 0} (Rank: None) [Unknown Bloodline Vial] {Tier: Unknown} (Rank: Unknown) [The Broken Ring of Loyalty] {Tier: 2, Broken} (Rank: N/A) [Phantomshroud Vestments, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Ignis, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Stormrend, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Shadowpiercer, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Nightpiercer, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Duskguard, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) Talent, Class Potential, Items ranking, Power ranking, Grade ranking. 1. F 2. E 3. D 4. C 5. B 6. A 7. S 8. SS 9. SSS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Talent: 10. Quasi Transcendent 11. Transcendent 12. Quasi Supreme 13. Supreme 14. Quasi God 15. God ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Class Potential: 10. Epic 11. Legendary 12. Mythic 13. Ancient 14. Supreme 15. God ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Items: Plane 0 (from Vernis to Erith) Vernis (Rank 0) Caldo (Rank 1) Erith (Rank 2) Plane 1 (from Caldor to Lumael) Caldor (Rank 0) Ferrox (Rank 1) Lumael (Rank 2) Vireth (Rank 3) Seralith (Rank 4) --Tier 2: Plane 2: (from Raxion to Fenixis) --Tier 3: Plane 3: (from Myrran to Aetherion) --Tier 4: Plane 4: (from Sylvenar to Chronosil) --Tier 5: Plane 5: (from Valkarion to Aeonith) Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Power Ranking: 1. Rank 0 {Mortal Warrior} [100 Level] 2. Rank 1 {Evolved Warrior} [250 Level] 3. Rank 2 {Mortal Limits Warrior} [500 level] 4. Rank 3 {Ascendant Rank} [750 Level] 5. Rank 4 {Immortal Warrior} [1000 level] {limit lock} 6. Rank 5 {Demigod Warrior} [1500 Level] 7. Rank 6 {God Warrior} [3000 Level] 8. Rank 7 {Cosmic God Warrior} [5000 Level] 9. Rank 8 {Primordial God Warrior} [7500 Level] ... [More will be shown in future arcs] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 1. Bronze 2. Silver 3. Gold 4. Platinum 5. Diamond 6. Epic 7. Legendary 8. Mythical 9. Ancient 10. Divine Calendar of the new world Every month have 30 days in it and total is 360 days. 1.Astralis 2.Stellune 3.Dawnmere 4.Everdusk 5.Lyridia 6.Solaris 7.Cinderis 8.Mystara S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. 9.Shadowend 10.Aetheris 11.Moonveil 12.Eternis The night when everything falls apart. [1] On a cold, silent night, two figures darted through the shadows of the city streets. At first glance, they looked like an ordinary couple out for a late stroll¡ªbut a closer look revealed a crimson trail seeping from the man''s shoulder, the mark of a recent blade. Both of them panted heavily as though they had just escaped a relentless pursuit. The man scanned the area with sharp eyes before nodding toward the next street. His wife followed close behind, clutching something tightly against her chest, wrapped in layers of cloth and desperation. Their pace slowed as they neared a tall iron gate. A sign hung overhead, weathered but still clear: The Heaven¡¯s Garden S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within the walls, moonlight illuminated faint outlines of swings, seesaws, and slides¡ªa playground waiting for laughter that had long since gone quiet. It was an orphanage. A large, well-maintained one. Jenny hesitated. ¡°Honey¡­ are you sure about this? What if they find him here?¡± Jake glanced at her, his expression firm. ¡°They won¡¯t. I know this orphanage well. The director is a good man¡ªand more importantly, he has real influence in this city. Those bastards wouldn¡¯t dare make a move here. I promise... once it¡¯s all over, we¡¯ll come back for him.¡± Jenny bit her lip, clearly unconvinced. ¡°I believe you... but if anything happens to him, Jake, I swear I¡¯ll never speak to you again.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Jake said with a weak chuckle. ¡°I¡¯d deserve it. But right now, we need to leave. We¡¯re not safe.¡± He pushed open the smaller side gate, guiding Jenny inside. The area was quiet, no signs of pursuit. They reached the entrance swiftly. Jenny unwrapped the cloth with trembling hands, revealing a sleeping baby boy. His tiny brown eyes were shut, a tuft of black hair barely visible beneath the blanket. ¡°He looks just like you,¡± she whispered, brushing her fingers gently against his cheek. ¡°No,¡± Jake smiled softly. ¡°He¡¯s got your eyes. That same softness... that same warmth. He¡¯s going to be a heartbreaker.¡± Jenny rolled her eyes and bumped his chest with her shoulder, making him stumble back. ¡°Don¡¯t get cheesy on me now.¡± ¡°Okay, okay, I surrender,¡± Jake grinned, holding up his hands. ¡°But there¡¯s something I need to give him.¡± From his coat, he pulled out a small cuboidal pendant attached to a silver chain. On one side, a single name was engraved: Evan. On the other: Windstone. ¡°I¡¯ve had this made for weeks,¡± Jake said. ¡°Evan means ¡®Great Warrior.¡¯ I hope... one day, he lives up to it.¡± Jenny¡¯s eyes softened. ¡°That¡¯s actually... a good name. Wow. I was ready to mock you.¡± ¡°Hey, I¡¯ve matured. Living with you fixed a few of my bad habits.¡± ¡°Mmm... barely,¡± she teased, touching the bridge of her nose. Jake leaned down and gently placed the pendant around Evan¡¯s neck. ¡°It¡¯s time,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Just a little longer, please?¡± Jenny¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll be until we see him again¡­ or if... we ever will.¡± Jake clenched his fists but nodded. ¡°One minute.¡± Jenny held Evan close, rocking him gently. ¡°My baby¡­ please stay safe. Don¡¯t get into trouble, okay? Mom and Dad will be back soon¡­ and we¡¯ll never leave you again.¡± Jake placed a hand on his son¡¯s small chest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, son. For leaving you like this. But I swear¡ªwhen I return, I¡¯ll make you the happiest kid in the world. That¡¯s a promise from your father.¡± Then, he reached out and pressed the bell. Moments later, soft footsteps echoed from within the building. The door creaked open, revealing a man in his fifties with graying hair, and beside him, a kind-looking woman¡ªhis wife. They looked around, puzzled. ¡°No one...?¡± the man murmured. Just as they were about to close the door, the woman gasped. ¡°Dear! Look!¡± At their feet, wrapped in warm cloth, was a sleeping baby. She knelt and picked him up. ¡°Oh my god, he¡¯s freezing. Who could¡¯ve done this...?¡± Her husband frowned, scanning the dark street. ¡°To leave a baby like this... what kind of people¡ª?¡± ¡°Inside. Now,¡± she interrupted, already rushing toward the bathroom. ¡°We need to warm him up or he¡¯ll get sick.¡± With a final glance at the gate, the man followed after her. Not far from the orphanage wall, Jake and Jenny stood hidden, watching everything through a narrow gap. Jake exhaled deeply. ¡°They¡¯ll take care of him. Let¡¯s go.¡± Jenny nodded slowly, tears in her eyes. With one final glance at the now-closed door, she turned and followed her husband into the darkness. Author¡¯s Note: ? ? As mentioned in my other novel, this story picks up where the last one left off. Are you ready for a brand new adventure? Add this to your library to stay updated with the latest chapters! ???? The night when everything falls apart. [2] Two figures walked hand in hand down a dimly lit street, their eyes darting across the surroundings with quiet urgency. It was unmistakably Jake and Jenny. They had just left little Evan at the orphanage. "I''m already missing him," Jenny whispered, trailing slightly behind Jake. "You know staying close would only endanger him," Jake said, pausing to scan the shadows. "Our absence is the best protection we can give him right now." "But... are you sure we can really escape this place?" Jenny asked, her voice trembling with doubt. Jake nodded. "I''m confident. We¡¯ll make it out of this area." Jenny clutched his hand tighter. "Okay. But promise me something¡ªif anything happens to me while we¡¯re away from our child¡­ promise me you¡¯ll raise him with twice the love. Twice the effort." Jake stopped in his tracks, turning to her with concern. "What are you talking about? Why now?" Jenny smiled faintly. "Let¡¯s just call it a woman¡¯s intuition." "Oh, come on. You and your intuition," Jake chuckled, the tension easing for a moment. They reached the edge of the street, where a small park awaited. Without wasting time, they entered and ducked behind a thick bush for cover. "Jake¡­ are you sure this is the right park? The one with the hidden route?" Jenny asked, watching him as he scanned their surroundings. "I¡¯m one hundred percent sure. Don¡¯t you trust your charming husband?" he said, flashing a cheeky grin. "Yeah, yeah, Mr. Charming." Jenny rolled her eyes. "Let¡¯s just go before those guys catch up." They emerged from the bushes and walked straight into a small building nestled in the park¡¯s corner. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was a men''s restroom. "Isn¡¯t this exciting?" Jake whispered playfully as they stepped into a stall. He blew a puff of air on Jenny¡¯s ear. She jumped. "What are you doing?! Is this really the time for that?" "Shush!" he hissed. "We could get caught if you''re loud!" Jenny scowled. "You¡¯re the one teasing me! Anyway, where¡¯s the secret path?" Jake pointed. "Right there. Through the toilet." She stared. "Excuse me?! There¡¯s no way. We¡¯re not fitting in there. And even if we could, I¡¯m doing that. Not even if my life depended on it." As she backed away, she accidentally bumped into the toilet wall, which gave a slight shudder. "Hey! Stop that!" Jake said, alarmed. "You want us to get caught?" "Oh sure, like any sane person would just say ¡®Okay, let¡¯s jump into a toilet!¡¯" she snapped. Jake sighed. "No, dumbo. We don¡¯t go the toilet. We push it aside." He grabbed the seat and gave it a firm tug¡ªbut gagged instantly from the foul smell. Grimacing, he closed the lid, took a deep breath, and pushed again. The base groaned but shifted slowly. After a few minutes, a hidden tunnel was revealed beneath¡ªa tight crawlspace, just enough for an adult to squeeze through. "Who''s going first?" Jake asked. Jenny stepped back. "Not me. You go." With no complaints, he went in first. Jenny followed behind. Once inside, Jake found a lever. He pulled it, and the toilet slid back into place with a dull . The lights cut out. "What happened?! Why did it go dark?" Jenny asked, her voice edged with panic. Jake turned on a torch. "It¡¯s fine. I sealed the passage. We¡¯re safe." They crawled forward, their torchlight cutting through the darkness. Jake had prepared well¡ªusing a regular flashlight instead of a phone, which could have easily been traced by the powerful entity hunting them. In the Dragon Kingdom, being found meant certain death. They were fleeing to a neighboring land where they could hide until it was safe to return for Evan. "Jake, are we going the right way?" Jenny asked after nearly fifteen minutes of crawling. "Just trust me. This tunnel is a shortcut. It leads out of the city and beyond the kingdom¡¯s walls." Jenny nodded silently, and they continued. Eventually, the tunnel widened, and they were able to crouch-walk. They reached a halfway mark where ¡°50%¡± was carved into the floor. Every ten percent, they passed similar markings. To conserve energy, Jake suggested using only one torch from this point on. Two hours later, they reached a dead-end. Jenny frowned. "Where¡¯s the way out?" Jake ran his fingers along the wall and pressed a hidden spot. The wall groaned before sliding open, revealing a narrow corridor. "We¡¯re almost there," he said. Jenny pouted. "More walking? I¡¯m already dead tired..." "Just five more minutes, honey. Then we¡¯re free." They entered the new corridor. Jake pressed another button, and the entrance sealed behind them. As they walked, the passage began to narrow again. Eventually, they had to crawl on their elbows. Minutes passed. Then¡ª "Jake? The tunnel ends here. Are we trapped?" "Wait¡­ I¡¯m looking for¡ªah! Found it!" Jake exclaimed, pressing another hidden button. With a soft , the wall retracted. Jenny didn¡¯t wait. She scrambled out quickly, gasping for fresh air¡ªonly to immediately wrinkle her nose. She looked around at the damp, reeking surroundings. "This is your escape route?! Jake! I swear I¡¯m going to kill you!" -- -- The night when everything falls apart. [3] As Evan''s parents vanished into the night, the orphanage staff hurried to clean the child, bathing him gently in warm water and feeding him milk to soothe his cries. Inside the security room, the orphanage caretaker played back the footage, hoping to catch a glimpse of the child''s parents. But the camera only captured a fleeting image¡ªbarely more than a blur. Their faces were obscured, rendering the footage virtually useless. Still, the mother¡¯s visible distress before she left touched something in him. It wasn¡¯t abandonment out of coldness¡ªit was desperation. A threat loomed. That alone was enough for him to make a difficult decision. With a sigh, he deleted the footage, fearing that if the parents ever returned and discovered its existence, it could endanger the child even further. At the same time, his wife had begun to discard the blanket the child had been wrapped in when something crinkled beneath the folds. A hidden slip of paper¡ªan old letter, yellowed at the edges. Her eyes widened. She unfolded it hastily and, after a quick read, rushed to her husband. ¡°This was with him,¡± she said, holding out the letter. ¡°It looks like... it¡¯s from his father.¡± The man took it silently, his expression solemn as he read: Dear Orphanage Director, With profound regret, I am forced to leave my child in your care. We are being hunted by high-ranking officials, and for the sake of my son¡¯s safety, he must be kept far from our troubles. I trust that you will raise him with kindness and guide him toward a righteous path. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. If fate allows, we will return for him when the time is right. I beg you¡ªplease keep this letter hidden from him. The truth of his abandonment would only bring him sorrow. As a token of my gratitude, I have left a donation in the garden. Please accept it, and forgive me for vanishing into the night. The director exhaled slowly. He understood everything now. With a heavy heart, he moved to the fireplace and burned the letter, scattering its ashes into the embers. But his wife had already dashed outside, searching the garden in the dark. At first, she found nothing. Her heart sank. Then, just as she turned to leave, her eyes caught something unusual¡ªa small card tucked behind the flower vase near the main entrance. She picked it up. It was a sleek, metallic money card, and attached to it was a handwritten note detailing the amount and account information. Her jaw dropped. Ten thousand Dracins. A staggering amount¡ªequivalent to ten million Dragon Points. Her mind reeled. Her eyes flicked side to side. No one had seen her. Clutching the card, she returned to her husband, who was just finishing cleaning the ashes. "Look! The letter was true!" she exclaimed. ¡°Ten thousand Dracins! Do you know what we can do with this kind of money? His parents must¡¯ve been rich nobles!¡± Her mind began racing with thoughts of long-abandoned dreams now within reach. But the director¡¯s expression remained composed. ¡°No, dear,¡± he said calmly. ¡°This isn¡¯t our personal wealth. It¡¯s meant for the orphanage and the children. I¡¯ll continue to support your wishes with my salary¡ªas I always have.¡± Though a flicker of temptation stirred in him, too, he grounded himself in his responsibility. His voice carried quiet resolve. She pouted at first but slowly nodded. "Fine," she relented. "But since sixty percent of your income always went to the orphanage, I¡¯ll start using that portion for myself¡ªuntil this donation runs out." The director chuckled softly. ¡°Deal.¡± Later, after tucking Evan into the nursery among the other infants, he instructed the night caretaker to keep an eye on the child in case he woke during the night. Then, he retired to bed beside his wife. Meanwhile, far away from the warmth of the orphanage, two shadows emerged from a narrow tunnel cloaked in darkness. Jake and Jenny stumbled out, their clothes damp and their expressions weary¡ªthey had just escaped through one of the city¡¯s old drainage tunnels. "So this was our grand escape plan? Through the city¡¯s sewer?" Jenny wrinkled her nose, clearly revolted. "Ugh. It stinks in here!" Jake smirked. "Sorry, Jen. It¡¯s the only path that lets us leave undetected." They bickered as they moved forward, their banter lightening the tension between them. Eventually, a sliver of light appeared in the distance. Jenny, fed up with the filth and stench, squealed with joy and sprinted toward it¡ªonly to smack face-first into a cold, metallic surface. "Ow! What the hell did I just run into?!" Jake burst out laughing and walked up beside her. ¡°Seriously? Can¡¯t you see there¡¯s a gate?¡± The exit was a rusted maintenance door secured with a flimsy old lock. With one solid strike from his flashlight, Jake broke it open, and the pair finally stepped into the fresh air. Jenny inhaled deeply, her eyes adjusting to the faint moonlight. They were in a jungle, several kilometers outside the city walls. "Are we safe now?" she asked, brushing damp strands of hair from her face. "Not yet. We need to cross the Dragon Kingdom''s border. Once we¡¯re past that, we can sneak into a neighboring city." With that, they set off into the jungle. Step by step, they left the city¡ªand their son¡ªbehind. Jake paused, turning for one last look at the distant skyline. ¡°Please be safe, son,¡± he whispered. ¡°We¡¯ll come back for you.¡± And with that, he followed Jenny into the night. __ Will they escape safely and reunite with their son someday? Leave your thoughts in the comments, and don¡¯t forget to add this story to your library to follow Evan¡¯s journey! The night when everything falls apart. [4] When Jake and Jenny emerged from the sewer pipe, they found themselves deep within a sprawling jungle, far from the city they had just fled. Despite the ache in their hearts for the child they left behind, survival took priority¡ªfor themselves, and ultimately, for their baby. Jenny''s sorrow was unbearable, but Jake, while equally burdened, understood. This was the only way their child could remain safe, even if it meant they might not survive. After nearly an hour of weaving through thick vegetation, they found a hidden spot between dense trees and tangled bushes¡ªsafe enough for a brief rest. Though the journey was long, their strength as apprentice-rank cultivators allowed them to cover more ground than ordinary people. Their stamina, reflexes, and resilience made navigating the wild easier, though not without effort. {Author¡¯s Note: If you¡¯re looking for the cultivation power chart, please refer to my other book. I won¡¯t repeat the same info here¡ªit¡¯s not a cultivation novel, after all. I¡¯ll only mention power rankings when they are relevant to this world.} {Author¡¯s Note 2: And for those asking why they''re running despite being strong¡ªwell, let me tell you, they''re being hunted by someone from a big family. But... why am I revealing this to you?} {??? Note: Hey! Who told you to reveal that? Who even are you?} {??? Response: Me? I am who I am. Why am I doing this? That¡¯s a secret. Wanna know? Not telling... yet. Goodbye.} {Author¡¯s Note: I catch this guy next time. ... ... Apologies, dear reader. Let¡¯s resume.} Hours passed, and the couple finally emerged deeper into the jungle. During their trek, Jake noticed something strange¡ªsome animals they encountered weren''t ordinary. Some beasts had an unusual glint in their eyes, their bodies tougher, faster... almost unnatural. These were beasts enhanced by Qi, creatures that had either been exposed to raw spiritual energy or had consumed rare treasures born of nature. Though such creatures were still rare, their numbers were increasing. The global energy level was rising¡ªa phenomenon both awe-inspiring and terrifying. Stronger humans could rise faster¡­ but the weaker ones? They were now prey. ¡°Hey, Jake. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± Jenny asked, snapping him from his thoughts. Jake turned to her, eyes sharp yet weary. ¡°Just thinking about the surge in energy levels. The research I did¡ªit¡¯s happening faster than expected. Even plants are changing... not just beasts or people.¡± Jenny nodded. ¡°Yeah, I remember that paper. It felt¡­ ominous.¡± They stood up, dusted themselves off, and resumed their journey. ¡°So, what¡¯s next?¡± Jenny asked, scanning for water. Jake pointed ahead. ¡°We¡¯ll leave the jungle first. Then, we¡¯ll rendezvous with my research team. After that, we¡¯re headed for Blaze City, in the Phoenix Kingdom. We¡¯ve got shelter waiting for us there.¡± Soon, they came upon a river cascading from a mid-sized mountain. Cautious, they scouted the area before drinking and washing up. The jungle thinned out not long after. The trees shrank, and light filtered in more freely. ¡°We¡¯re almost there!¡± Jenny smiled and dashed toward the edge of the jungle. Jake chuckled, following behind. As they stepped into open plains, the sun cast warm rays across their faces. The darkness of night gave way to a welcoming dawn. Not far off, a jeep stood parked. Two figures stood beside it. ¡°Hey Max! Oliver! We¡¯re here!¡± Jake called out. Both men waved and smiled. Reaching the vehicle, Jake and Jenny felt the crushing tension lift from their shoulders. They had truly escaped¡ªfor now. Jenny slid into the back seat. ¡°Let¡¯s get moving. We¡¯re not out of danger yet.¡± Max climbed into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Right. We were waiting for you two. Our lives are on the line too.¡± As the jeep rolled forward, a heavy silence lingered. Jenny glanced at the two men in front. Something felt... off. ¡°You two seem down. Everything alright?¡± she asked. Oliver answered a bit too quickly. ¡°Just¡­ sad to leave home.¡± Jenny frowned. ¡°Are you sure?¡± Max rubbed his temples. ¡°Yeah. Just a headache.¡± Jake exchanged a look with Jenny. Neither pushed further. A few minutes later, the jeep stuttered to a stop. Jake tensed. ¡°What now?¡± Max popped the hood. ¡°No big deal. Engine died. I¡¯ll check it.¡± Oliver joined him, motioning for Jake to stay back and rest. After a short inspection, they returned. ¡°Still not working?¡± Jake asked. ¡°No, the engine¡¯s fine. Just needs a push,¡± Max replied. The four of them got in position¡ªJake and Jenny behind, Max and Oliver at the doors. ¡°On three,¡± Oliver said. ¡°One... two... three!¡± The jeep lurched forward under their combined strength. Jake and Jenny¡¯s cultivation helped push it easily. Max jumped in and turned the key¡ªsuccess. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But as they climbed in¡ª Their smiles froze. Their breath caught. Jake and Jenny stood still, watching in horror as¡ª __ Comment your theories below! What do you think happened next? Don¡¯t worry if the story feels slow¡ª is just the calm before the storm. The real ride begins once our main character takes center stage. Trust me, this isn¡¯t just another slice-of-life or revenge clich¨¦. Stay tuned. The night when everything falls apart. [5/last] Jake and Jenny stood frozen, stunned, as the Jeep roared to life and sped off¡ªwithout them. "Hey! Where are you going?! We''re still here!" Jake shouted, both of them breaking into a sprint after the vehicle. It was no use. They could only assume Max had mistakenly believed they were already inside, choosing to drive off before things got worse. But the truth was crueler. "Sorry, Jake, Jenny! We had no choice!" Oliver¡¯s voice rang out from the Jeep. "They said they''d kill us if we didn''t leave you behind! Please understand!" "You bastard¡­" Jake muttered, crushing the grass beneath his feet in frustration. ¡°I should¡¯ve known something was off¡­¡± "Jake, we need to move. Now¡ªbefore they find us," Jenny urged, eyes scanning their surroundings. He took a breath and nodded. "Okay. Let¡¯s go." They had barely covered any ground when Jake raised a hand. "Stop. You hear that?" Jenny crouched, lowering herself into the tall grass. "Footsteps¡­ They¡¯re getting closer." Jake closed his eyes and listened. The soft crunch of grass under heavy boots¡­ too many to count at once. His eyes opened, grim. ¡°We¡¯re surrounded. At least twenty¡­ most of them are Apprentice-rank. Some even Ninth Stage.¡± Jenny¡¯s heart sank. "Are we going to die here?" Jake looked at her, his jaw clenched. ¡°No. I¡¯ll get you out¡ªno matter what.¡± They began to back away, silent as shadows. But then¡ª "We know you''re out there! Come out and save us time!" a voice bellowed. A leader. "Boss, want us to sweep the area?" one of the underlings asked. "No. Stay where you are. No one moves unless I give the order," the man growled. Time dragged. Tension mounted. Finally, the leader¡¯s patience snapped. "Find them. I want their heads. I¡¯ll hand-deliver their corpses to the master!" The man was Marcus¡ªa loyal hound of the Ashcroft family, acting under the Patriarch¡¯s command. "What about the two in the Jeep? If they escape¡ª" "Do you think I''m stupid? A hit squad''s waiting for them. The moment the signal is sent, they''ll strike." Meanwhile, Max and Oliver were nearing the border between the Dragon and Phoenix Kingdoms¡ªhopeful for refuge. Their hope didn''t last. Armed men blocked the road ahead, dressed in black, guns raised. Max slammed on the brakes. "We¡¯re surrounded!" Oliver gasped. ¡®I can''t die here.¡¯ Max exchanged a nod with Oliver. Without hesitation, Max floored the accelerator. Bullets riddled the Jeep, glass shattering, metal crumpling¡ªyet they pushed forward. Then came the final blow¡ªa dull as a grenade launcher fired. The explosion lit up the road. The Jeep was torn apart. Nothing remained of Max and Oliver but fire and ash. Back near the jungle''s edge, the explosion was unmistakable. Marcus smirked. "That¡¯s the sound of your friends dying. You¡¯ll join them if you don¡¯t show yourselves!" Jenny flinched at the sound. Jake narrowed his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s bluffing. They¡¯ll kill us either way.¡± ¡°Then what do we do?¡± Jake¡¯s grip tightened. "We run. For our child." With slow, silent steps, they began crawling through the grass, inching toward the jungle nearby. Minutes passed. Then came Marcus¡¯s voice once more. ¡°Enough games. Back off, all of you!¡± Jake peered through the brush. ¡°They¡¯re up to something...¡± Suddenly, his eyes widened. ¡°Run, Jenny! Stay low and don''t look back!¡± "What?! Why¡ª" Explosions rocked the ground as grenades rained down. Earth and smoke erupted around them. ¡°They¡¯re trying to bury us alive!¡± Jake yelled, shielding Jenny with his body. "The dust! Use it¡ªmove now!" They sprinted through the rising haze toward the jungle¡ªtoward Blaze City, nestled just beyond it within the Phoenix Kingdom. The jungle was dangerous and rarely traveled, but unlike the road Max and Oliver had taken, it offered a chance. {Author¡¯s Note: Oh no, not again! Escape isn¡¯t allowed this time!} S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. {Author¡¯s Note: Blast! Slipped through my fingers once more! Sorry for the interruption, folks. Someone keeps leaking spoilers ahead of schedule¡­ I¡¯ll catch them next time. Meanwhile, let¡¯s continue, shall we?} Just as they reached the jungle¡¯s edge¡ªanother grenade landed directly in front of them. ¡°JENNY, GET DOWN!¡± Jake shoved her aside and jumped¡ªbut the blast caught him. Pain tore through him as flames licked his body. His right arm and the side of his face burned, skin peeling away. "Jake!" Jenny screamed, rushing to him. His clothes were smoldering. She hurried to extinguish the flames. "Jake, are you¡ªare you okay?!" His voice was strained, laced with agony. ¡°What do you , Jenny?! Just help me up!¡± She tried, but he couldn¡¯t rise. His right arm was limp. Useless. She reached out, but he placed a hand over her mouth. ¡°Shh¡­ They¡¯ll hear. Let¡¯s go.¡± Carefully, she helped him up, and they slipped into the jungle¡ªfinally out of sight. Back at the battlefield, Marcus stepped forward. ¡°Boss, over here! Blood and¡­ burnt skin.¡± Marcus knelt, inspecting the remains. ¡°Caught in the blast. One down. Good.¡± ¡°But should we go in after them?¡± one man asked. ¡°Are you brain-dead? That¡¯s Phoenix Kingdom territory. If we¡¯re caught, we¡¯re all dead¡ª we bring ruin to the Ashcrofts. No one enters.¡± They searched the area for hours, combing every inch. ¡°Sir! Blood traces¡­ into the jungle.¡± Marcus¡¯s lips curled into a cruel smile. ¡°So they made it in.¡± "Should we follow?" ¡°No. But we can still succeed.¡± He stood and addressed the team. ¡°We return with bodies. Two of them. A man and a woman. The story is they¡¯re dead. That¡¯s final. Anyone disagrees¡­ can join them.¡± Chapter 6: A Name Without a Past The once peaceful orphanage stirred with newfound chaos. "Did you hear? There''s a new kid here," whispered a boy no older than ten. "Really? Let¡¯s go see him before the others find out," his friend replied, eyes gleaming with curiosity. The rumor spread like wildfire on a dry summer''s day. Within minutes, children of all ages gathered around the nursery window, eyes peeking in with eager anticipation. Inside, a maid gently cradled a baby¡ªbarely two or three months old¡ªwhile toddlers played quietly nearby. "Back to your rooms, all of you. You¡¯ll scare the little ones," came a stern voice. An older woman appeared, shooing the crowd away like a swarm of mosquitoes. The children scattered, grumbling. ¡°This happens every time a new one arrives,¡± she muttered under her breath, adjusting her apron. ¡°I best speak with the director.¡± Moments later, she stepped into the director¡¯s modest office. The old man behind the desk barely glanced up, his attention buried in a mountain of paperwork. ¡°Excuse me, sir. I need to ask¡ª¡± ¡°I knew you''d come, Mrs. Suzie,¡± he said, cutting her off with a faint chuckle. ¡°Let me guess¡ªabout the new arrival?¡± "You¡¯re getting scarily good at this,¡± she smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not magic,¡± he replied with a grin. ¡°You¡¯ve been doing the same thing for the past fifteen years.¡± Suzie blushed slightly, tucking a stray hair behind her ear. ¡°Can¡¯t help it. It¡¯s practically tradition now.¡± They shared a soft laugh, a moment of calm amid the storm of change. ¡°So, who is he?¡± Suzie asked, her tone more serious now. ¡°Where did he come from?¡± The director¡¯s smile faded. He reached for a glass of water, then answered slowly. ¡°His name is Evan. I found him at our doorstep early this morning.¡± Suzie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Ah, another case of ¡®dump the child and disappear,¡¯ huh?¡± ¡°Not quite.¡± The director sighed. ¡°His parents left a note. They were in danger and left him here for his safety. They promised to return once things calmed down.¡± Suzie nodded solemnly. ¡°Let¡¯s hope they keep their word.¡± As she left to return to her duties, the director stared out the window at the children playing in the garden. ¡°If they don¡¯t come back¡­ he¡¯ll be truly alone.¡± ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. {A/N: Big-time skip incoming! Time to show off a little. ????} {Wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey, Fast-forward, don¡¯t be grimy! Flip the page, skip the fuss, Let¡¯s jump ahead¡ªjust because!} ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fifteen years passed like fleeting dreams. Evan, once a newborn cradled in uncertain arms, had grown into a quiet teenager¡ªfifteen years old and still an orphan. During these years, transformed. Thanks to a generous fund left behind anonymously¡ªthough in truth, by Evan¡¯s parents¡ªthe orphanage thrived. Nobles, eager to polish their reputations, donated freely, elevating the once-humble place to a sanctuary of prestige. But joy is never without shadows. Whispers filled the Dragon Kingdom. Jake and Jenny Windstone¡ªnames once unknown¡ªbecame infamous. Accused of attempting to sell secrets to a rival kingdom, they were intercepted mid-escape. The confrontation turned violent, ending with both parents reportedly slain. The director recognized the names. The pendant Evan had worn as a baby¡ªone side engraved with ¡°Evan,¡± the other with ¡°Windstone¡±¡ªconfirmed what he had long suspected. But the truth was too dangerous. If the world learned of Evan¡¯s bloodline, he would be judged by his parents¡¯ sins, not his own. So, he buried the truth along with the pendant. From that moment on, the child was simply Evan. No surname. No family. Evan grew up like most children, but there was always something¡­ off. At three, he began having strange dreams¡ªvisions of swords, magic, battles. Nightmares that left him in tears. A caretaker dismissed them as the result of too much TV. At five, a psychiatrist reassured the staff that children often imagined wild things. They blamed cartoons and manga, and banned both from Evan¡¯s routine. The dreams stopped. But they returned when he turned twelve. This time, Evan told no one. He feared being blamed again. His personality shifted. Friends drifted away. He became a loner, preferring books and quiet corners over games and laughter. He rarely spoke. He rarely smiled. Adults found him polite but eerily silent¡ªan emotionless doll. Some tried to adopt him, but each returned him within days. They all said the same thing: ¡°He screams in his sleep. Then goes silent. Every night.¡± Over time, Evan stopped trying. He accepted that he would not be chosen. On his fifteenth birthday, Evan made a request that shocked the director. ¡°I want to live alone.¡± The director refused at first. But after reflecting on Evan¡¯s condition and years of isolation, he relented¡ªon one condition. Evan would live in an apartment owned by the director¡¯s friend in Lumina City. He¡¯d receive a monthly allowance until he turned eighteen. He had to study, stay away from alcohol and cigarettes, and remain under adult supervision. Break the rules, and he¡¯d be brought back immediately. Evan agreed without hesitation. He said goodbye to the orphanage¡ªthe only home he¡¯d ever known¡ªand to the few people who might miss him. Within days, he left the city. His past was sealed, and his future unwritten. "Fifteen years gone. A new life begins." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Author¡¯s Note: Hey everyone! Hope you''re all doing great ???? Our MC is about to step into a world of insane power¡ªand yes, he will have some . Have a cool idea for an overpowered ability, talent, or skill? Drop it in the comments! I¡¯ve got some juicy ones lined up, but I¡¯d love to include yours, too. After all, who doesn¡¯t want a story tailored to their tastes? No more plain main characters. It¡¯s time for greatness. Also, if you¡¯re interested, check out my second book: . A mass release is coming soon! Stay tuned, and stay awesome. Chapter 7: A Place to Call Home [1] By the time Evan reached the city, night had already fallen. Following Director Will''s instructions without making any stops, he eventually stood before a modest apartment building¡ªhis new home for the foreseeable future. ¡°So, this is where I¡¯ll be living for the next three years,¡± Evan murmured, a bag slung over one shoulder and a suitcase in his hand. He glanced around. The streets were quiet, and the last hints of twilight clung to the sky. Ahead, a man who looked to be in his fifties¡ªabout the same age as Director Will¡ªwas just about to shut the building¡¯s main door. ¡°Sir! Wait a second!¡± Evan called, jogging forward. ¡°I need to ask you something!¡± The man paused, eyeing Evan with a sharp once-over. ¡°Who are you, kid? What are you doing here this late?¡± ¡°My name¡¯s Evan. Mr. Will sent me here¡ªI believe you''re the landlord?¡± Recognition sparked in the man''s eyes. ¡°Oh yeah, Will mentioned you a few days back. Listen here, kid. I¡¯m only giving you a room because of my friend, so don¡¯t get any ideas. No funny business, and no coming back late. The gate shuts at eleven sharp. Got it?¡± Evan nodded quickly. The man continued, ¡°I¡¯m just the landlord, not your babysitter. Step out of line, and I¡¯ll toss you out without hesitation. Now come on. You¡¯re late, and I bet you haven¡¯t eaten. My wife made something for you.¡± The unexpected kindness after the barrage of rules left Evan momentarily stunned, but he snapped out of it and followed. ¡°Thank you, sir. May I ask your name?¡± The man didn¡¯t answer immediately, simply continuing toward the building. Evan figured he didn¡¯t want to share it¡ªbut then, after a pause, the man muttered, ¡°Jason.¡± ¡°Sorry, sir¡ªdid you say something?¡± ¡°I said my name¡¯s Jason!¡± he barked a bit louder, making Evan flinch slightly. ¡°Oh, okay! Thank you, Mr. Jason,¡± Evan replied, relieved to finally know what to call him. ¡°Come on,¡± Jason grunted as they reached a door on the first floor, a nameplate displaying neatly beside it. Jason rang the bell. ¡°Coming!¡± a warm voice replied from inside. The door opened to reveal a cheerful woman with kind eyes. ¡°Oh, Jason, did you find him?¡± she asked, glancing at Evan. ¡°Hi there, young man! I¡¯m Rossy, this grumpy man¡¯s wife.¡± Evan chuckled. ¡°Rossy, not in front of others¡­¡± Jason groaned, but Rossy just stuck out her tongue with a playful grin. ¡°This way,¡± Jason said, ushering Evan inside. ¡°Eat first. After that, I¡¯ll show you to your room.¡± Evan nodded. Refusing meant sleeping hungry¡ªnot an option. He sat down at the dining table, and both Jason and Rossy joined him. She began serving warm food, freshly made. ¡°Didn¡¯t you two eat already?¡± Evan asked, surprised. ¡°We usually eat late,¡± Jason said gruffly. ¡°Now stop asking questions and eat before it gets cold.¡± Rossy smiled gently. ¡°He actually asked me to make dinner late today. He cleaned your room himself and even went to the market.¡± Evan blinked, glancing at Jason, who kept his eyes firmly on his plate. ¡°Thank you, sir. But... why go through all that for someone like me?¡± Rossy¡¯s smile dimmed slightly. ¡°When Will sent us your picture, we were stunned. You look exactly like our son did when he was your age.¡± Evan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s why we agreed to take you in. It helps us... cope,¡± she added, her voice quiet, gaze distant. ¡°I¡ªI''m sorry,¡± Evan said carefully. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to sound harsh, but I¡¯m not your son. I don¡¯t want to disrespect his memory.¡± Rossy¡¯s eyes shimmered. ¡°No... it¡¯s okay,¡± she whispered. ¡°Our son wouldn¡¯t mind. He passed away a few years ago.¡± Evan''s heart sank. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. I didn¡¯t know¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to bring up painful memories.¡± Rossy nodded slowly. ¡°Thank you for being kind about it. Let¡¯s just eat, hmm?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Evan agreed. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡± After dinner, Jason stood and gestured. ¡°Come. I¡¯ll show you the room.¡± They climbed the stairs, and Evan noticed a few young tenants loitering around. Jason grunted. ¡°Don¡¯t mind them. But don¡¯t let me catch roaming around late at night like that. Be back before eleven.¡± ¡°Understood, sir. I¡¯ll be on time.¡± ¡°And don¡¯t take Rossy too seriously. She¡¯s emotional. Watches too many dramas.¡± Evan smiled faintly. ¡°I noticed. I¡¯ll be careful with my words next time.¡± Soon, they reached a small but neat apartment. Jason opened the door and gave a short tour. ¡°Got everything? Bathroom¡¯s there. Window locks. Closet space. Don¡¯t break anything.¡± ¡°Yes, sir. It¡¯s actually a lot better than I expected.¡± Jason coughed softly, a hint of pride breaking through his usual sternness. ¡°I¡¯ll be back early tomorrow for breakfast. We¡¯ll talk more then,¡± he said, turning on his heel and slamming the door behind him. Outside, he muttered to himself, ¡°This kid¡¯s different. Much better than the others we¡¯ve had here.¡± Inside, Evan was already unpacking. He arranged his few belongings in drawers and shelves, taking in the quiet comfort of the space. Then he walked to the window. City lights shimmered beyond the glass, casting a glow into the room. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s going to be more interesting¡­¡± he murmured. With that thought, Evan lay down, his eyes closing slowly. Dreams of swords, magic, and unknown futures awaited. __ Author''s Note Hey everyone. Thanks for reading! I wrote this chapter a bit quickly out of excitement for what¡¯s coming next, so some parts may feel rushed. That said, the upcoming chapters will dive deeper into the fantasy elements, with exciting settings, cool abilities, and major twists! Still hoping to hear your ideas too¡ªdon¡¯t be shy! Let¡¯s build something epic together. ???????? S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 8: A Place to Call Home [2] The morning sun poured through the blinds, but Evan remained fast asleep, still worn out from yesterday¡¯s exhausting trip. Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Bang! Bang! Bang! A loud knock on the door jolted him awake. Groggy and annoyed, Evan groaned, trying to ignore it. But the knocking continued. ¡°Ugh¡­ who¡¯s banging the door this early?¡± he mumbled, rubbing his eyes. Then his gaze shifted to the clock. 9:12 AM. Panic struck. ¡°Crap! Sir Jason told me to come for breakfast!¡± Throwing the blanket aside, he rushed to the door and flung it open¡ªrevealing a rather unimpressed Jason. ¡°Kid,¡± Jason said, voice slow and deliberate, ¡°I believe I told you last night.¡± ¡°S-Sorry, sir. I overslept. I¡¯ll freshen up quick¡ªyou go ahead,¡± Evan stammered. Jason gave him a look, then turned and walked off. Evan shut the door behind him and sighed. ¡°Oh great, not even my first full day here and I¡¯m already messing up.¡± He hurried to wash up, still in the same dusty clothes from yesterday¡¯s journey. Fifteen minutes later, he left his apartment and headed downstairs toward Jason¡¯s place. Outside, the neighborhood bustled¡ªstudents and workers moving about, chatting and hurrying along. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem all that different from my old neighborhood,¡± Evan thought, ¡°just a new place¡­ new faces.¡± But just as he was about to reach the bottom of the stairs, a man in his mid-twenties passed him on the way up. ¡°So, you''re the one Jason mentioned, huh?¡± the man said, eyeing him curiously. Evan nodded, his introverted nature kicking in. ¡°Y-Yes, sir... I¡¯m the guy¡ª¡± ¡°Can¡¯t hear you, kid. Speak up a little,¡± the man cut in. ¡°I said I¡ª¡± Evan paused mid-sentence. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a man exiting his apartment building. Even from the back, the figure was familiar. It was Jason¡ªnow dressed in clean clothes. As Jason approached, another voice rang out. ¡°Hey! What are you two doing here?¡± Jason¡¯s tone was sharp, almost confrontational. The man¡¯s mood changed instantly. ¡°Oh, I remember you,¡± Jason said, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one I banned from this building?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. You said I couldn¡¯t come here at night. I¡¯m just visiting a college friend,¡± the man replied, trying to push past Jason¡¯s stare. Evan instinctively stepped in, blocking his path. Jason didn¡¯t back down. ¡°I warned you last time. Come here again, and I¡¯ll call the cops.¡± The man scoffed. ¡°Look, old man, my friend needed help last night. I¡¯m just trying to look out for her. Can¡¯t you back off for once?¡± Jason¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°I know the kind of ¡®help¡¯ you offer. If she doesn¡¯t sort herself out soon, she¡¯s gone too.¡± That last part was said low, but Evan caught it. He stood there, uncertain. To him, the man just seemed like someone trying to help a friend. Was Jason being too harsh? He asked quietly, ¡°Sir¡­ was he really that bad?¡± Jason shook his head. ¡°Kid, you¡¯re too young to understand. Just leave it. Let¡¯s get some breakfast.¡± Without waiting, he grasped Evan¡¯s wrist and led him away. Inside Jason¡¯s apartment, Rossy was setting the table. ¡°Oh, finally!¡± Rossy huffed, hands on her hips. ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting forever, Evan.¡± ¡°Sorry, Mrs. Rossy¡­ I overslept. And then some guy stopped me¡ªhe said I took his apartment,¡± Evan explained. Rossy blinked. ¡°What guy?¡± S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jason gave her a look, silently telling her they¡¯d talk about it later. She nodded and motioned for them to sit. The three of them ate in silence. When they finished, Rossy stood and began clearing the table. ¡°I¡¯ll help¡ª¡± Evan started to rise. ¡°No need, dear. Stay and talk with Jason,¡± she said, disappearing into the kitchen. Jason leaned back in his chair. ¡°So. The reason I asked you to come over is simple. I¡¯ve arranged for you to attend a nearby school. The chairman¡¯s an old friend of mine.¡± Evan sat up straighter, eyes widening. ¡°But¡­ if you don¡¯t want to go, I can help you find a part-time job instead. Just until you turn eighteen,¡± Jason added. Evan didn¡¯t answer right away. His thoughts drifted back to his teacher¡ªthe one who once told him that knowledge was power, and without it, a person could never truly help others. Finally, he nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision¡­ I want to study, sir. I¡¯ll do my best not to mess up or cause any trouble.¡± Jason was visibly pleased. Rossy peeked from the kitchen, smiling at Evan¡¯s words. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll handle the paperwork,¡± Jason said. Evan stood up, ready to head back. ¡°Where are you off to now?¡± Rossy asked. ¡°Back to my apartment.¡± ¡°Oh? Why not explore the neighborhood a bit? Might help you get familiar with the place,¡± she suggested. Jason nodded. ¡°She¡¯s right. Walk around, learn the roads. It¡¯ll help later.¡± Evan hesitated. His gaze dropped to the floor. ¡°Do you¡­ have a problem, kid?¡± Jason asked. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m scared I¡¯ll get lost,¡± Evan admitted, voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Huh~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~?¡± Jason blinked, then groaned dramatically. Rossy burst out laughing. Evan¡¯s face turned bright red. Jason scratched his head. ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s fix that. Rossy, can you bring me that thing?¡± Rossy tilted her head in confusion, then her eyes lit up. ¡°Ah¡­ thing.¡± She vanished into the other room. A few minutes later, she returned and placed something in Jason¡¯s hand. Evan¡¯s eyes widened as Jason handed it to him. He hadn¡¯t expected to receive something like this. To be continued... Chapter 9: A Place to Call Home [3] Rossy gently placed the item in Evan¡¯s hand. He flinched in surprise. It wasn¡¯t every day someone handed you something so personal¡ªespecially when you were a stranger. ¡°Mrs. Rossy, I... I can¡¯t accept this,¡± he said quickly, trying to return it. But she shook her head with a soft, almost playful stubbornness, stepping back and hiding her hands behind her. ¡°Listen, Evan, I know we¡¯re not family by blood. But your Uncle Jason and I¡ªwe see you as our son. Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s not ours. This belonged to our boy¡­ his things are still with us.¡± She motioned for him to sit, her voice calm as she took the chair beside him. Evan¡¯s hands trembled slightly. ¡°But Mrs. Rossy¡­ this isn¡¯t something you just give to someone like me.¡± He placed the item on the table and took a step back. One turned into two, and before he knew it, he was halfway out the door. Then Jason, who had remained quiet, finally spoke. ¡°Wait, Evan.¡± The calm weight in his voice froze Evan mid-step. ¡°Hear me out,¡± Jason said. ¡°Then decide what to do next.¡± Evan nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright, sir. I¡¯m listening.¡± Jason stood, his expression composed but serious. ¡°This is the last time I¡¯m going to say this, so listen closely.¡± Evan stood tall, like a soldier before a commanding officer. The silence in the room pressed in. ¡°You probably think we¡¯re treating you like this because you resemble our late son. But that¡¯s not the only reason. If it were just about wanting a child, adoption wouldn¡¯t be hard for us¡ªwe have the means,¡± Jason said. ¡°But the real reason we chose to take care of you over the others...¡± He paused. Evan remained silent, still as stone. ¡°First, yes, you do remind us of our boy. But more importantly¡ªmy friend Wilson told me about your night terrors. You wake up screaming, don¡¯t you?¡± Evan¡¯s lips parted in shock. ¡°Our son used to do the same. He grew out of it eventually... but you¡ªyou''re still going through it. That¡¯s when I knew. You needed a home¡ªnot just a roof.¡± Rossy joined in, her voice softer than a whisper. ¡°That¡¯s why... we want to adopt you. To raise you as our own. Not out of pity. But because we see you, Evan.¡± The room fell into a heavy stillness. Then¡ª Thud! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evan dropped to his knees and bowed so low his forehead touched the ground. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, sir¡­ I thought you were only helping me to repay a debt. That once I turned eighteen, you¡¯d¡ª¡± ¡°Evan, get up! The floor¡¯s dirty,¡± Rossy said, rushing over. But Evan didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Not until you accept my apology.¡± Jason and Rossy exchanged a glance¡ªone of mutual understanding. Then they laughed lightly. ¡°Fine,¡± Rossy said, returning to her seat. ¡°But on one condition.¡± ¡°Yes! Anything, Aunt¡ªuh, Mrs. Rossy! I can do chores, run errands, even clean the entire lawn!¡± ¡°No, nothing like that,¡± she said, smiling. ¡°You just have to call us something.¡± Evan blinked. ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°Call us and . Or if that¡¯s too hard¡­ and . If you can¡¯t do that much, you¡¯re free to leave.¡± Evan looked at her in stunned silence, his heart pounding. ¡°¡­Alright,¡± he finally said, voice soft. ¡°Then¡­ Aunt Rossy. Uncle Jason.¡± Rossy¡¯s face lit up like a lantern. ¡°Good. Now get up and take what¡¯s on the table.¡± Evan rose hesitantly. ¡°But¡­ are you sure it¡¯s okay? It¡¯s your son¡¯s phone¡­¡± Rossy gave a wistful smile. ¡°He¡¯d want someone like you to use it. To carry a piece of him forward.¡± Jason nodded silently in agreement. ¡°¡­Then I¡¯ll cherish it,¡± Evan said, picking up the phone. To his surprise, it was sleek and modern¡ªa touchscreen, not some dusty relic from the past. ¡°This looks... new,¡± he muttered. Jason chuckled. ¡°He got a new one every birthday. We told him it was wasteful, but he never listened. After he passed, we kept replacing it every year. A tradition.¡± ¡°And take the charger too,¡± Rossy added, handing it over. ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯ll just come running back.¡± Evan took the charger with a small smile. ¡°Thank you¡­ Aunt Rossy. I¡¯ll be back after exploring the area. Goodbye, Uncle Jason.¡± Rossy giggled. ¡°He¡¯s a bit clumsy, isn¡¯t he?¡± Jason unfolded his newspaper. ¡°He¡¯s just a kid. But he carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Let him make mistakes. That¡¯s how he¡¯ll grow.¡± Evan exited the apartment and stepped into the open air. He pressed the power button on the phone, but nothing happened. Dead battery. He raced back up, plugged it in, and waited. To his surprise, it charged fast¡ªalready at 80% within an hour. Satisfied, he locked his door and went back outside. As he walked past the neighboring apartment, the gate creaked open. The same boy who had confronted him on the stairs earlier stepped out, arms wrapped around a young woman. ¡°Okay, babe, I¡¯ll be back tomorrow. Let¡¯s go to the amusement park,¡± he said. ¡°Saturday¡¯s better. I can rest Sunday,¡± she replied, pouting. Evan silently approached the stairs, hoping to pass unnoticed. But the girl spotted him. ¡°Hey! Who are you? What are you doing here?¡± The boy turned. His eyes narrowed. ¡°You again?¡± he growled. ¡°Old man bailed you out last time. Not today.¡± He started walking toward Evan, who stood frozen. Then, like a switch flipping in his mind, Evan bolted. ¡°Think you can run from me? You¡¯ll regret it!¡± the guy shouted, but stopped in his tracks. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± the girl asked, confused. ¡°He¡¯s your new neighbor. Living alone, I bet. That old landlord chased me off for trying to kick him out,¡± the guy grumbled. ¡°Oh? Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll get him evicted in no time. Remember what I did to those four guys before him? They still walk around like dogs with their tails between their legs,¡± she said smugly. ¡°Just don¡¯t get caught,¡± the guy warned, giving her a final hug. ¡°If your uncle finds out, I won¡¯t be able to protect you.¡± ¡°Relax. Now go¡ªhe might show up any second.¡± He slipped away, unseen. But from an upper floor, hidden behind the curtain, the so-called ¡°uncle¡± watched everything unfold. His gaze darkened. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 10: A Place to Call Home [4/Last] Jason, stunned by the conversation he had just overheard between the girl and the guy, found himself frozen in place. His mind drifted back to the time when he had expelled several men from the building¡ªmen who had been accused of harassing that very same girl. He remembered them clearly¡ªyoung adults, probably in their twenties or early thirties. After their identities were revealed in the local newspaper, along with the details of the incident, they were forced to leave the city in disgrace. A wave of guilt washed over him. Clenching his fists, Jason made a silent vow. With resolve firm in his chest, he descended the stairs. The girl had already entered her apartment. He made his way into his own and slumped onto the sofa beside his wife, Rosy, who had just finished work and was enjoying her usual evening drama. She noticed his expression right away. ¡°Jason? Why¡¯re you back so soon? Weren¡¯t you going up to Mr. Lashe¡¯s place? Isn¡¯t his unit on one of the upper floors?¡± S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jason didn¡¯t answer right away. He leaned back, staring at the TV for a moment before speaking. ¡°Rosy, I need you to listen. And after that¡­ tell me honestly¡ªdid I do something wrong? Because I feel terrible right now.¡± He began recounting everything he had heard outside Evan¡¯s floor. From spotting the guy he always chased away, exiting the girl¡¯s apartment¡­ to Evan appearing unexpectedly and narrowly escaping the guy¡¯s aggression again. Rosy listened intently. Her expression shifted from confusion to shock and then to anger. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said firmly, standing up. ¡°You haven¡¯t done anything wrong.¡± Jason raised an eyebrow. ¡°Wait¡ªwhere are you going?¡± She paused at the door and looked back at him with fire in her eyes. ¡°Where? To deal with that little trickster girl! Do you know how many lives she¡¯s already ruined? I¡¯m not letting Evan be next.¡± Jason quickly stood and called out, ¡°Rosy, wait! Don¡¯t do anything rash! We don¡¯t have solid proof right now. If we act now, they might get away clean. But I swear¡ªthey¡¯ll slip up. And when they do, I¡¯ll hand them over to the police for filing false accusations.¡± He puffed out his chest dramatically and flexed his imaginary muscles. ¡°Besides, don¡¯t you remember who your husband is? I¡¯ve got this.¡± Rosy rolled her eyes with a small smile. ¡°Alright, alright. But promise me¡ªkeep that kid out of this mess. He¡¯s already too withdrawn. We don¡¯t want him shutting himself off completely.¡± She returned to her drama, her trust in Jason restored. Meanwhile, Evan, having darted out of the building, wandered aimlessly through the city. The streets were busy¡ªrestaurants and coffee shops lined the sidewalks, people rushed to and from work, and the nearby malls were flooded with crowds. He kept his head low, avoiding eye contact. Looking around, a thought struck him. He began searching for a building he remembered¡ªhis steps hesitant at first. After a few minutes of wandering without success, he swallowed his pride and asked a passerby. Thanks to their directions, he finally found it. A familiar building stood tall, a worn-out banner with a gaming console symbol hanging above the entrance. This was it. A place he used to hear about from his friends at the orphanage. Back then, he was just a normal kid who longed to hang out and fit in. One of his friends once called it That memory alone made his heart stir. Evan pushed open the door and stepped inside. The first floor was filled with excitement¡ªpool tables, bowling alleys, retro arcade machines¡­ but what truly caught his eye was the upper floor. Rows upon rows of gaming PCs, players locked into intense matches. Some kids in school uniforms were even here¡ªclearly skipping class just to play. As Evan wandered among the rows, he noticed people chatting through headsets, laughing, competing¡­ even some girls gaming like pros. {A/N: Yeah, Evan¡¯s been in the orphanage too long. He thought only boys liked this stuff. Typical.} He walked past a row of schoolboys battling it out in a shooter game when suddenly¡ªhis foot caught on something. Thud! Evan tripped and fell, crashing into the side of a player¡¯s chair. The boy turned to glare at him. ¡°What the hell?!¡± Evan scrambled to sit up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry! My leg got caught¡ª¡± But the guy wasn¡¯t listening. Instead, he grabbed Evan by the hair and yanked him toward the monitor. ¡°Look what you did, idiot!¡± Evan winced. ¡ªTo be continued.¡ª Chapter 11: Devil Meets His Match The man who had just pulled Evan''s hair turned toward the screen, his expression darkening as the words blinked in bold red. He had lost¡ªbadly¡ªand now he was venting his frustration as if Evan had stolen his life''s greatest victory. "You little brat! Do you know what you''ve done?!" "I''m sorry, sir," Evan said hastily, stepping back while shielding his hair. "My foot got caught on something, and I accidentally fell on you. I truly didn¡¯t mean to." "Feeble apology!" the man barked, his voice rising. "You think that can undo my defeat?! That match was worth five hundred dragon points! You owe me that¡ªor you¡¯ll owe me your life!" Evan¡¯s face turned pale. His heart sank as he realized¡ªthis man had bet a significant amount... and lost it because of him. {A/N: Curious about currency? Here''s the breakdown:} 100 Dragon Points (Dragon Kingdom) 100 Phoenix Points (Phoenix Kingdom) 100 Turtle Points (Jade Turtle Kingdom) 100 Peak Points (Thunder Peak Kingdom) 100 Heart Points (Ice Heart Kingdom) = 1 Dracin 100 Dracins = 1 Blue Coin "Sir, I really don¡¯t have any money," Evan pleaded. "I just arrived in the city yesterday¡­ please forgive me." The surrounding students snickered, amused at Evan''s panic. But the man, unmoved, leaned in closer. "Then call your parents. Tell them to send the money, or you¡¯re not leaving here in one piece." "I¡­ I don¡¯t have parents. I live with a caretaker until I come of age," Evan said softly, his words quiet but clearly audible in the now-silent room. For a moment, even the background noise of the game center died down. Then came the sneer. "Oh? So, you''re an orphan, huh?" the man mocked, his expression twisting into something cruel. "Well, guess what? I still want my money. No parents means no one to save you." Behind him, his goons began cracking their knuckles. Evan¡¯s fingers trembled as he pulled out the phone Rossy had given him. His only hope. He opened his contact list¡ª "Whoa-ho! Look at this!" one of the boys laughed, holding the phone up. "Isn¡¯t this the latest model?! Saw the ad just last week!" "And it¡¯s even in my favorite color," the man added, his eyes gleaming with greed. "Hey kid," the goon said, waving the phone. "Trying to lie your way out with this kind of gear? Doesn''t look like a broke orphan to me." "No! I swear, my caretaker gave it to me!" Evan cried out. "Please give it back! I can''t ask them for money¡­ and I really can''t lose this phone." Tears welled up in his eyes. "Aww, the little baby¡¯s crying," the leader mocked, stepping back. "Well then, say bye-bye to your phone." "Bro¡­ are you sure about this?" one of his companions whispered. "If his caretaker comes looking¡ª" "It¡¯s fine," Levi said casually. "We¡¯re switching venues tomorrow anyway. And it¡¯s not like they¡¯ll make a big case over a phone." Just as he turned to leave, a shadow stepped in front of him. A young man stood there, another figure trailing behind him. Levi frowned. "Who are you? Get outta my way. You don¡¯t know who I am?" The young man simply smirked. "Nope. Care to educate me?" Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The crowd murmured. Tension filled the air. Levi grinned proudly. "Name¡¯s Levi. But everyone here calls me ¡®Levi the Devil.¡¯" The young man chuckled. "Well then, Mr. I suggest you give that phone back to its rightful owner." Levi¡¯s expression darkened. "Oh, a hero, huh? Listen, orphan kid¡ªyour superhero just arrived. But when I¡¯m done with , you¡¯re next." "Stealing in public, threatening someone, and now robbing an underage student?" the young man said casually. "I could report you to the city guards right now." Levi scoffed. "You don¡¯t get it. That brat made me lose a five hundred-point wager! The phone is fair compensation!" The young man narrowed his eyes. "You really think cost you the match? You only scored twelve points. The winner had . Even if you played perfectly, you¡¯d still have lost by a mile." He stepped forward, voice now sharp and cold. "And that phone? It¡¯s worth ten to twelve thousand dragon points on the market. You want compensation? Pay for damages." Laughter rippled through the crowd. The goons began backing away. Levi looked around, panicking as his support vanished. "A-And what about betting in this center? That¡¯s not allowed either, remember?" the young man added. "Right," the person behind him said, stepping up. "Penalty¡¯s one thousand points. So altogether, you owe around 12,500 dragon points." Levi staggered. "I... I won¡¯t give it back! You think I care about some dumb rule?! Let¡¯s see who dares stop me!" he roared and turned to run. But then¡ª He tripped¡ªhard¡ªand crashed to the ground. "Who the hell came befo¡ª" he snarled, ready to curse¡ª But his voice cut off. Completely. Because standing before him... was another young man. Not the same one who spoke earlier. This one had his hands in his pockets, looking down with cold, unreadable eyes. Levi¡¯s throat tightened. His mouth opened, but no sound came out. Why? Because his body . That this man was someone he should never cross. Ever. Chapter 12 - The Trouble at Pixel Den The boy who had snatched Evan¡¯s phone skidded across the floor after crashing into a solid wall of muscle. He was about to yell¡ªuntil he looked up and saw who he had bumped into. ¡°What the hell is going on here?¡± boomed a voice that instantly silenced the crowd. ¡°My customers are leaving. Care to explain before I toss you all out?¡± The speaker was none other than the owner of Pixel Den. Standing six feet tall with a frame like a bodybuilder, he exuded the presence of a war-hardened general. His stern features, cold eyes, and rigid jaw made him look more like a tyrant than a manager. ¡°Hey, bro! I¡¯ll explain everything!¡± said the young man who had stopped the thief. He and his friend approached, while the thief looked increasingly nervous. ¡°Oh? James and Rey, too? You two came and didn¡¯t even drop by to say hi? That¡¯s harsh, bros. I actually had something to talk to you about,¡± the owner said, his tone softening just a bit. Despite his scary looks, the owner was known to be easygoing¡ªbut few dared to get close enough to realize it. ¡°I was right there when it all happened,¡± James said, stepping forward. ¡°Let me fill you in first before we get into other stuff.¡± The owner turned to the crowd. ¡°Sorry for the disturbance, folks. Please carry on.¡± S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The murmuring audience dispersed, returning to their games and conversations. ¡°Now then,¡± the owner said, cracking his knuckles with a thunderous ¡°Let¡¯s hear it. And be honest¡­ or I¡¯ll get really unfriendly.¡± James wasted no time detailing how he and Rey were on their way up when they spotted a confused-looking boy¡ªEvan. Levi, a sore loser looking for someone to blame after his defeat, accused the boy of distracting him. And when Evan said he had no money, Levi stole his phone and tried to run. ¡°Wait a second,¡± the owner growled, narrowing his eyes at Levi. ¡°Didn¡¯t I ban betting here? And you¡¯re the guy who already owes us money, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°N-no, sir! He¡¯s lying!¡± Levi stammered, trying to save himself. ¡°This kid owes me money, that¡¯s why I took the phone! That¡¯s it!¡± Realizing what he¡¯d just admitted, Levi went pale. ¡°So¡­ you betting,¡± the owner said flatly and hoisted Levi up like a sack of potatoes. ¡°No, no! I meant¡ªhe made me lose points before, not in a bet!¡± Levi twisted his story again, now claiming he knew Evan from before. ¡°Do you really expect me to believe a random orphan could afford this kind of phone?¡± the owner asked, suspiciously inspecting the device. ¡°No, sir! I only met him today!¡± Evan finally spoke, his tone urgent. ¡°He said I lost the game and snatched it!¡± ¡°Then tell me,¡± the owner asked, eyes locked onto Evan¡¯s, ¡°why do have this phone if you¡¯re an orphan?¡± ¡°Sir,¡± Evan said calmly, ¡°my caretakers gave it to me so I wouldn¡¯t get lost. It¡¯s their son¡¯s spare phone. I¡¯m new here¡­ they just wanted me to be safe.¡± ¡°Hmm¡­ if you¡¯re telling the truth, I¡¯ll need to speak with them. No hard feelings¡ªjust doing my job.¡± Evan hesitated but then nodded. ¡°Please don¡¯t scare them. They¡¯ll only worry.¡± ¡°Give me the phone.¡± Evan unlocked it and handed it over. The owner scrolled through the contacts. ¡°What are their names?¡± ¡°Aunt Rosy and Uncle Jason.¡± Finding the names, the owner raised a brow. ¡°Huh. Most kids hate their guardians. You even saved their contacts properly.¡± He stepped away and made the call, asking a flurry of precise questions. Meanwhile, Levi, still restrained, took the chance to bolt the moment eyes were off him. He slipped away downstairs unnoticed. ¡°Thank you for the info, ma¡¯am. Sorry for the trouble,¡± the owner said and hung up. He handed the phone back to Evan and looked around. ¡°¡­Where the hell is Levi?¡± Everyone shrugged. ¡°Tch. Slipped away, huh?¡± the owner muttered, rubbing his temple. ¡°Next time I see that brat, he¡¯s not walking out.¡± James clapped a hand on Evan¡¯s shoulder. ¡°So? Are we good?¡± The owner gave a nod. ¡°Yeah. The kid¡¯s clear. But you¡ªstay sharp. This city¡¯s no joke.¡± With that, he descended the stairs. ¡°Thanks for saving me¡­ and sorry for all that,¡± Evan said, gently stepping away from James¡¯s grip. ¡°No worries,¡± James replied. ¡°But seriously¡ªhow¡¯d you fall for that lame trick? Rookie move, man.¡± ¡°I really am new here,¡± Evan explained. ¡°Just arrived today. Never played a game in my life. Some kids from the orphanage told me about this place.¡± James blinked. ¡°You¡¯ve never played¡­ anything?¡± ¡°Not once.¡± ¡°Whoa,¡± James said. ¡°Name¡¯s James Zephyr, by the way. This guy¡¯s Rey Dragonstorm. Cool name, right? He used to be a noble and all.¡± ¡°Do you to tell him everything?¡± Rey groaned. ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± James chuckled. ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Evan smiled. ¡°I¡¯m Evan Windstone. Got my surname, but¡­ not my family.¡± The two shook hands, a silent bond forming between them. ¡°Well then,¡± Rey said, grinning, ¡°why don¡¯t you come play with us?¡± ¡°Yeah! I¡¯ll teach you. Come on,¡± James encouraged. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t. I don¡¯t have money for games. I¡¯m saving what I have for essentials.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯ve got enough funds to keep a whole team gaming for months.¡± ¡°Still¡­ why would you help me?¡± Evan asked, wary. ¡°Because I think we¡¯re the same,¡± James said earnestly. ¡°¡­Wait, what?¡± Evan took a step back. ¡°Bro, I¡¯m not into that kind of stuff.¡± ¡°What? No! Not kind of same!¡± James flailed, realizing how his words sounded. ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to talk, do you?¡± Rey snorted. ¡°Crap, my bad! I just meant¡ªwe could be good friends, okay? I¡¯m not¡­ y¡¯know!¡± The three burst into laughter. ¡°Alright, but seriously¡ªwhy friends? We just met,¡± Evan asked, still a little suspicious. ¡°Because when I saw you staring at this place like a kid at Disneyland, I figured¡­ maybe we could be friends. Train together. Compete. This guy¡¯s not into it,¡± he said, nodding at Rey. Evan looked at the hand James held out to him, uncertain but tempted. ¡°¡­So, what¡¯s your answer? Want to be friends and play with us?¡± James asked. Evan hesitated. ¡°I¡­¡± ¡ª To be continued ¡ª Chapter 13: A New Friendship "I agree, because if becoming friends with you helps me clear my debt to you someday, then I am ready to be your friend," he said, just as he was about to shake hands, but James pulled his hand back in response. "Then I''m sorry if you''re becoming my friend just to repay this debt, and I apologize for asking this of you. Please forget it," he said as he started to return to Rey to play games. "Oh wait, I''m sorry if I said something wrong, and okay, I will be your friend," Evan quickly interjected, not wanting to miss the chance to befriend someone who wasn''t interested in friendship for benefits. "Friendship not for debt, right?" James clarified, and Evan nodded with an awkward smile. "Okay, let''s play the games before time runs out," he said, placing his hand on Evan''s shoulder and dragging him towards where Rey was waiting. "So, the matter is settled, and we''ve got our new friend, Evan," James declared, while Rey sighed softly, knowing James''s nature¡ªfriendly and energetic¡ªand remembering the day he approached him. In the past, when Rey was sitting in a park watching children play, he felt sad because his life was filled with loneliness and no child would play with him. Then James came into his life like a whirlwind, his only friend to date, and Rey was truly grateful. He couldn''t imagine a life without a friend, a life filled with sadness. "Hello, I''ll introduce myself again, Rey Dragonstrom, and I hope our friendship lasts forever," Rey said, to which Evan responded with kindness. "Okay, if the introduction is over, let me explain how to play the game," James said as he began to describe the gameplay. A few minutes later... "Do you understand what to do?" Rey asked, standing beside them. "Sort of, but I need to actually play before I can say for sure," Evan replied, nodding as he started a new match. "Let''s play a team three-on-three match next, after you finish your game," James suggested, and Rey nodded in agreement, though Evan hesitated. "Guys, I think you should play together until I''m good enough to play at an average level," Evan suggested, worried that he might cause them to lose games and potentially harm their budding friendship. "Don''t worry, even if we''re not that great, we can still carry you if something happens," James reassured him, confidently tapping his chest. "Okay, but don''t blame me if we lose," Evan murmured in a low voice, too quiet for the others to hear. Evan quickly started his first match and entered the game lobby. The game was quite unique, featuring elements of fantasy and survival warfare. In this game, up to one hundred and fifty players are spawned on a vast land containing various regions like jungles, snowy mountains, destroyed cities, underground cities, and more. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The characters of the players have different types of elemental affinities; some have balanced affinities, while others have a high affinity for just one element. This creates unique characteristics for them in different regions, affecting their stats, attacks, and defenses. Their weapons are also influenced by these elements, adding more fun to the game. Players can create only one character per account, and if they want another, they must delete the existing one. Each new character''s elements are fixed upon creation and cannot be changed, with the effects remaining the same unless the account is new. Games often use a leveling system similar to RPGs, where a player''s character gains levels from the results of matches, and the higher the rank, the greater the rewards. "Let''s skip the description and dive into the game," James suggested. "Evan, why don''t you create a new account since you''re playing with a guest account? That way, we can see if your luck is as bad as Rey''s or as good as mine," James explained as he provided the instructions. "What do you mean by ''luck'' in this context?" Evan asked, puzzled about how luck could play a role. "In this world, the characters are assigned randomly after you make an account, and you can''t change their elements. You can only play with them until you delete the account, which you can only do after ten days. So, people usually stick with their character until they''re certain they want to delete it," James clarified. "I mention this because the game features a variety of elements, such as common, rare, unique, legendary, and mythic. Common elements include Fire, Water, Wind, and Earth. Rare elements include Lightning, Ice, Inferno, Wood. Unique elements include Shadow, Darkness, Light, and others that are still hidden. Legendary elements are Eclipse, Radiance, Time, Space. Mythic elements are Void, Chaos, death, and life." "People are so eager to attain higher levels because the effects are so cool; whoever gets them becomes akin to a hacker," James remarked as Evan also got caught up in the excitement. Evan deliberately lost in the game to a player whose fiery element made his weapon''s bullets inflict a burning effect. He swiftly navigated to the settings and clicked the sign-in button. After entering all his details, Evan''s account was activated, and he was ready to play. However, character creation was first on the agenda. He selected a male skin and opted for a simple look, as he wasn''t interested in customization and only wished to test his luck. "Hurry up and click ''OK.'' I can''t wait to see if you get a good element or just a common one," James urged, his eagerness growing as he anticipated the surprise. "Okay, okay, just let me finish," Evan replied as he was about to enter his real name, but James and Rey stopped him, advising against using his real name. Heeding their advice, he chose a new, random one. "That name looks odd yet cool; it''s good and unique," Rey suggested, and with James nodding in agreement, Evan also nodded after a moment''s thought, liking the name somewhat, and quickly pressed ''OK.'' Then came the moment they had all been waiting for: the elemental selection screen appeared. The screen displayed a spinning slot with some elements visible and others not. After a few seconds, the spin slowed down and was about to stop on the wind element when it ticked over one more step and stopped on a question mark. "Oh boy, Evan, it can''t be¡ªyou must have hit the jackpot with this one," James exclaimed, knowing that Evan was guaranteed a rare element. The question mark began to crack gradually, and finally, the element was revealed. {A/N: Hello everyone, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I want to clarify that the game described herein is not derived from our world; it''s a product of my imagination. I plan to develop it further for a future arc in this novel or possibly others, which will be revealed in time.} Chapter 14: The Unique Element The element panel began to roll, and the long-awaited object finally appeared before their eyes, yet there was complete silence. "Rey, are you seeing what I''m seeing?" James asked, to which Rey nodded. "Could you pinch me to see if I''m dreaming?" James requested. Rey pinched him without hesitation, causing James to leap up in pain. "Ouch! Are you serious, bro? I was just kidding," James exclaimed as he stepped back, but neither Rey nor Evan paid him any mind, stunned by what was on the screen. On the display, the element belonging to Evan''s character was revealed, along with its name and rarity category. , Rarity: Unique These two lines left them in awe, and even Evan was taken aback despite being new to this. James and Rey had explained that unique elements were exceedingly rare, even more so than legendary ones. While over fifteen players might possess a legendary element, only two or three might have a unique one. Once an element is claimed, there won''t be a second unless the character is deleted, at which point a new one could be obtained. "I never imagined your luck would be cool enough to draw out a unique one with odds of only one in a billion, bro," Rey said as Evan simply smiled and rubbed his neck. "Hey, quickly show us the effects or skills you''ve acquired," James said as Evan clicked the next option and the effects or skills appeared before him. As they watched the screen, Evan was amazed by what he saw and remembered the attack that killed him: a user with the fire element who finished him off with a blade surging with fire. "So cool, the players who battled against the unique ones were right; the skills are too OP to begin with," James remarked as he witnessed the skills in action. "Indeed, they''re incredibly OP. Mine are just agility-based, but his cover multiple areas: agility, attack, stealth, and even the ultimate skill is extraordinary," Rey recalled the time when a unique user fought a legendary one, using his ultimate skill in a scene that seemed overwhelmingly powerful to him and remained etched in his memory. "Well, if the element selection is fine, why don''t we have a training match before the real deal?" James suggested to Rey as he sent a friend request to Evan, who accepted it immediately. and are the usernames of James and Rey, respectively. "Both of you have quite impressive names, and you''re both high-leveled," Evan observed as he looked at their characters, stylishly dressed; James''s character held a stylized guy in one hand with a large blade on his back, while Rey''s character was agility-focused, armed with two pistols and a sleek bow on his back. "Yes, they represent three years of hard work. My account is at level fifty-four, and Rey''s is at forty-seven," James explained, as Evan realized that James was a dedicated gamer from his appearance, and Rey seemed more average, though his looks suggested the obsession should be the reverse, but appearances can be deceiving. "Let''s see if you can hold your own against the guys, Evan," James said as he initiated a match against an AI for Evan, with Rey joining in spectator mode. Evan''s character was teleported to a ruined church map, positioned in the west, while his opponent appeared in the east. "What do I do next, guys?" Evan asked as two eyes appeared before him¡ªthe spectator cameras of his friends beside him. "Why don''t you just pick a weapon from the shop icon?" suggested Rey. Evan accessed the shop and discovered various tabs such as cold weapons, firearms, equipment, and medicine. He selected cold weapons and saw an array of blades, daggers, swords, spears, bows, and more, but he managed to equip only a single dagger before the shop icon vanished, his movement shield disappeared, and the countdown in the sky ended. "Why did my shop screen disappear, and where''s the icon for it?" Evan inquired, his character motionless. "Evan, didn''t you notice the two-minute timer on your screen? It was the countdown to get ready, and you spent it browsing weapons. Now you''re left with just a dagger. How will you defeat your opponent?" James exclaimed, drawing astonished glances from the surrounding crowd. "Hey, what are you doing? Do you want to get us banned here?" Rey said as he pulled him down. "Sorry, I just let my emotions get the better of me," he said with an apologetic smile. "Phew, Evan, listen, you only have to survive this round. If you last for three minutes, it will end, and you''ll get a chance to use the shop, so please, don''t try to die," Rey instructed. Evan nodded and began to move his character, which was sluggish at first. He didn''t see his enemy, which was both good and bad¡ªit could mean a trap was being set or that the enemy was waiting for the right moment to strike. Evan started to gain control and practiced attacking in the air to adapt to his character. His skill was ready to be used, and he could use it at any time, but his friend had told him to save it for a dangerous situation. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Half the time passed, but the guy didn''t show up. Evan and his friend grew suspicious, unaware that their quarry was also watching them from a distance, hidden inside a damaged room. It was a man in a military outfit, holding a rifle, with a spear strapped to his back. The player controlling him was just an average guy, afraid of losing the game. When he saw his opponents, he was taken aback. -To be Continued... Chapter 15: A New Victory While Evan was preoccupied with locating his adversary and practicing his dagger moves, he was unaware that his opponent was also observing him, his emotional state far from stable. ¡°What am I going to do now? Looking at this guy, I¡¯m certain he¡¯s one of those ALT account users who deleted their account to get better elements, and now he¡¯s back to bully the lower-level players,¡± the man muttered, fear evident in his voice. His win-loss record was poor¡ª32 wins and 76 losses. He was below average, barely above a newbie even after six months of playing. He hadn¡¯t won a single ranked match and was stuck at level 6. Today, luck had betrayed him, and he found himself up against a pro ALT account player. ¡°What am I going to do now?¡± he lamented, convinced it was his fate to lose. Desperate for a draw, he observed Evan¡¯s movements, the way he roamed the area searching for him like a predator hunting prey with his dagger in hand. He knew that if Evan landed a single hit, it would be the end of him. ¡°Please, God, let me get through this match,¡± the player whispered, his palms sweaty. As the timer wound down to just thirty seconds, Evan¡¯s character began to move erratically, brandishing the dagger, a threatening display. But to his opponent, it was a signal of aggression. Evan, however, was actually expressing his joy. With only seconds left, he would soon have the chance to select equipment to ensure his safety. When time expired, both players were teleported back to the starting area. Evan immediately spent his points from the first match to purchase weapons and armor. He donned his new gear quickly, ready for the next confrontation. Meanwhile, his opponent was trying to decide whether to escape the round but ultimately chose to take a chance and confront Evan, thinking his dagger would be his downfall. Selling off his other items, he bought a rifle and extra ammo, convinced he had the advantage. With cautious steps, he advanced, watching for Evan. However, when he spotted him, Evan was no longer the dagger-wielding player he¡¯d seen before; now he was fully armored and seemed determined to engage in a lethal battle. Unfazed, the opponent prepared to launch a stealth attack, positioning himself carefully. Every movement now filled him with fear. A single mistake could cost him the match. He took aim, but his shot missed Evan by mere inches, and the target seemed to move in response, but he couldn¡¯t pinpoint the source of the shot. Alerted by his friend¡¯s shout, Evan finally spotted his adversary, perched atop a damaged building, rifle in hand. A surge of excitement filled Evan as he anticipated the showdown, but his inexperience showed. His first few shots went wide, only grazing the opponent¡¯s health by a small amount. The opponent, stunned by the hit, reacted swiftly, retreating to regroup. Evan pursued, but in doing so, he fell into a trap, and his health dropped by forty percent. Surprised by the move, Evan adjusted his strategy and began moving more carefully, unsure if further traps lay in wait. Evan¡¯s perseverance paid off when he cornered his opponent in a roofless building. Deciding to test out a newly acquired skill, Evan drew the sword his friend had recommended, realizing that one well-placed strike could eliminate over half of the opponent¡¯s health. The catch, of course, was getting close enough to land the hit. Evan moved in cautiously, but his opponent was prepared. Gunfire rang out, striking Evan and reducing his health to just thirty-seven points. Now in range, Evan activated his skill. Shadows enveloped his character, allowing him to move like a wraith. He closed the distance and struck with his sword, landing a devastating blow. His opponent, , collapsed and disintegrated in a matter of moments. Stunned, realized his mistake. His opponent¡¯s superior element had allowed him to outmaneuver him. Within five seconds, he pressed the surrender button and left the match. The trio, watching from the sidelines, fell silent as Evan was declared the victor. had surrendered, and Evan¡¯s first win was in the books. Although the victory had been easy, Evan didn¡¯t feel proud. It hadn¡¯t been an impressive feat, and he knew that if he told anyone, no one would believe how effortless it had been. It hadn¡¯t showcased his real potential as a player, and he felt he had missed an opportunity to win in a more meaningful way. But there would be more chances, and this was just the beginning of his journey in the gaming world. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As he continued to play, he learned that his friends attended the same high school he was about to enroll in, and it thrilled them. His integration into the school would be much easier, but little did he know that the events to come would change his life in ways he couldn¡¯t have anticipated. For now, the story continued, and we waited as time would reveal what came next in his life and future. -- To be Continued Chapter 16: Lost and Found After his initial match, Evan felt a wave of disheartenment, but he quickly shook off the disappointment. Determined to improve, he dove into his next game, hoping to familiarize himself with the mechanics. However, within thirty seconds of facing his opponent, Evan''s character was struck down with a single headshot. The rapid defeat startled his friends, as such precision was a hallmark of experienced players. Despite the blow, Evan refused to let the loss define him. He kept his faith in his ability to improve. By the end of the match, the score stood at <4-1>¡ªa respectable outcome, considering it was his first time playing. He even managed to score a point by consecutively using his elemental skill three times, catching his opponent off guard and leading to their defeat. Afterward, they played together, though Evan''s character remained at a low level. He was mostly carried by his friends throughout the matches. By the time they finished playing, his character had reached level six. The day had flown by, and it wasn''t until Evan¡¯s eyes landed on the wall clock that he realized it was already past five. "Guys, it¡¯s getting late; I need to head home or my aunt will be upset," Evan said as he logged out of the game and stood up. "Right, we''re late too. Let¡¯s get going. We didn''t even notice how time flew by," James remarked, as he and Rey logged out and stood up. "I think you both were so engrossed in the game that you lost track of time. I was aware, though. James, did you finish the assignment Sir Peter gave us for tomorrow? I assumed you had, just like I did," Rey asked, recalling a school matter. "Wait, darn it, I forgot! I only have a few hours left! Rey, please help me out; you''re my friend, right?" James pleaded. "Okay, okay, I''ll help. But don¡¯t you dare tell Sir I helped you copy, not after last time when you almost got me in trouble," Rey warned, as James nodded earnestly, like an employee eager to impress his boss. "Evan, I hope we¡¯ll meet again soon at school, just like you said. Don¡¯t worry, the school is a much better place than you think," Rey assured, as they all left the gaming parlor and headed home. As Evan retraced his steps, a sense of anxiety crept in. He couldn''t remember the path he''d taken earlier. He considered calling Mrs. Rossy but hesitated, not wanting to tarnish his image after boasting about his excellent sense of direction. Despite his efforts, every path seemed unfamiliar. However, he didn¡¯t lose hope and kept searching. After what felt like an eternity of wandering, Evan finally recognized a route. Passing numerous people on their way to or from work, he arrived at a park he instantly recognized and made his way to the bench where he had sat earlier. Once there, he searched for the water tap from which he had drunk earlier in the day. He retraced his steps from the morning, and with each familiar landmark, his spirits lifted as he neared home. However, his fortune took a turn for the worse when he reached a convenience store and found himself unable to recall the way he had taken earlier. Looking around but still unable to find his bearings, Evan felt his hope wane. It was already past seven, and he didn¡¯t want to be any later. Just as he was about to call his aunt, the door of the store opened, and someone emerged from inside. "Oh, Evan, what are you doing here?" a feminine voice asked, confirming it was a woman. Evan turned and saw Mrs. Rossy standing before him. "Oh, Mrs. Ro¡ª I mean... Aunt! I was just about to call you... yes... if you need anything, I can get it for you from the store," he stammered, hastily trying to concoct a plan, but his urgency made the truth evident. "No need, but thank you. I¡¯m already here and bought everything I needed," Rossy said, showing him the plastic bag she was carrying. "Sorry, let¡¯s head home then," Evan said, knowing his lie wouldn¡¯t hold. "Alright, lead the way," Rossy said, gesturing for him to move. "I think I can carry this so you can walk freely, Aunt. It must be heavy," Evan said, trying to change the subject. "Thank you, that would be very helpful," she said, handing him the bag and waiting for him to lead the way. "Let¡¯s go," Evan said, choosing a random road to take, but Rossy stopped him. "Where are you going, Evan? Our home isn¡¯t in that direction," Rossy pointed out, realizing Evan was lost. "Sorry, I forgot the way back and was about to call you," he admitted. "Evan, you don¡¯t need to hide it; anyone can get lost in a new city," she said, laughing lightly as she led him down a familiar street. "The solution is on your phone." "I didn¡¯t catch that last part," Evan said, confused. "There¡¯s an app preinstalled on your phone called ¡®Location Map.¡¯ It can guide you home easily," she explained, helping him find their home on the app and setting it as a destination. Evan was surprised and impressed when he saw how it worked. His phone displayed both his current location and his home, and by following the map for a minute, he easily found his way back. "Oh, it¡¯s quite good," Evan remarked, surprised to discover such a useful application on his phone. "It was because of my son; he was terrible with directions and always got lost on his way home," Rossy recalled, reminiscing about the times he had wandered. "But as he grew up, he became quite good at it," she added. They entered the building and made their way into the apartment, where Jason was reading his newspaper. "Ah, Rossy, you''re back, and Evan, you too. Good, I was about to call you both home because I have something to tell you," Jason said, looking up from his newspaper and setting it aside. "Yes, sir, please let me know if there''s anything I can do for you," Evan said as he took a seat in front of him. "The thing is... ah yes, I''ve already spoken with my friend and secured your admission to his school, and even acquired the necessary items for your studies. They should be at your apartment''s front door. I mentioned you to him, and he sent the delivery straight to your apartment, even when I instructed him to send it to my house. That geezer," Jason said, shaking his head. "Okay, sir, I will collect it from there, and thank you for everything you''ve done for me," Evan replied, his gratitude apparent. The room fell silent until Rossy entered with plates brimming with food. "Okay, enough drama, guys. Come and eat the food I¡¯ve specially prepared for Evan," she announced, placing the dishes on the table. The meal included meat, soup, vegetable salad, and rice. Everyone sat down to eat, and during the meal, Evan recounted his experiences, omitting only the unpleasant parts. Jason and Rossy were pleased to hear that Evan had already made friends, especially since they were from his school. It would make his transition into his new life much smoother. They had been worried that Evan might end up spending a lot of time alone due to his reserved nature. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After the meal, Evan bid them goodnight and made his way upstairs to his apartment. Upon reaching his floor, he spotted a large box and hurried to his door. As he was about to enter, the door beside his opened, and the girl from earlier emerged, startling him. He had expected her to yell at him, like her friend had. She noticed him and moved towards him, but Evan quickly retreated inside his apartment and slammed the door in her face. She stood there, taken aback, as no one had ever treated her that way before. "Ah, damn it, I swear you¡¯ll suffer more than those guys," she muttered under her breath before slipping into her apartment. Evan, panting with relief, thought, "Thank goodness I escaped. But what if she and he catch me next time?" Pushing the thought aside, he opened the box. Inside, he found various school supplies, including his bag, uniforms, and stationery. With everything set, he lay down on his bed, ready to embark on a new journey the following day. A few minutes later, Evan was sound asleep, overwhelmed by the day''s events. His expression shifted rapidly as he entered a dream. Suddenly, his face became emotionless. Before him stood ten enigmatic entities, with the central figure stepping forward. He gazed at its face, which was obscured by clouds. "The time of arrival is near, R###n. Brace for the worst," it spoke, and with a single touch of its finger to Evan''s forehead, he disintegrated into pieces. Chapter 17: A New Beginning While Evan was immersed in his dreams, he was drenched in sweat from head to toe. "Ahhhh!" He woke up screaming, clutching his head, which throbbed with pain as if it would split open any second. He turned on the room light and checked the time on his phone, realizing it was already past five in the morning and dawn was near. He considered sleeping more but quickly dismissed the thought, remembering that today marked his first day of school. Rising from his bed, he headed to the bathroom to freshen up. As he washed his face, he noticed his eyes were mostly red. He attributed it to the previous day''s events and continued his routine, unaware that the cause was something entirely different. After leaving the bathroom, he opened the window beside his bed to observe the outside world. It was still somewhat dark, but he could see people going about their business, some even running. A message notification from James caught his attention as he was checking his phone. He and his new friend had exchanged numbers to stay in touch. Evan had been hesitant at first, but eventually relented after some coaxing. James had even called to verify the number, ensuring it wasn''t incorrect. Evan chuckled at the memory and opened the message box to see what James had sent. The messages read: "Hey bro, are you awake? Message me if you are. Bro, are you coming to school today?" They had been sent one after another, and Evan was taken aback by James''s forwardness. It was unusual for someone to become so friendly after just one meeting, especially since they weren''t children who often make friends within minutes, but rather teenagers. Evan responded, "Yes, I''m awake, and I''ll be attending school today, so don''t worry." A few minutes later, his message arrived in the form of an emoji depicting a smiley face. "So, you''re actually online right now, huh? Well, I guess we''re somewhat alike," James replied, accompanied by a devil emoji. "No, I just woke up, and I''m sorry to inform you that I didn''t stay up all night," Evan stated, accompanied by a straight-faced emoji. ( :| ) "Ah, who cares? Just get to school, and we''ll have some crazy fun today," James said, eager to change the subject. Evan chuckled and replied with a thumbs-up emoji before closing his phone. Noticing it was nearly six, he quickly headed to the bathroom to get ready. A few minutes later, he emerged fully dressed in his freshly ironed clothes, which he had obviously pressed himself, and packed his bag with all the subjects he would study that day: mathematics, literature, geography, physics, science, history, and a few additional items. With everything prepared and the time already past six-thirty, he hurriedly left, grabbing his phone from the charger and slipping it into his pocket. He laced up his shoes and stepped out of his apartment. He greeted some neighbors who were on their way to work; they always exchanged pleasantries, unlike the unpleasant encounter he had with that other girl and guy before. He bid them farewell and descended the stairs. There, he discovered Jason outside, engaged in his morning workout. "Good morning, Uncle Jason," he greeted, prompting Jason to turn around. The sight of Evan, so strikingly reminiscent of his son from years past, left Jason momentarily lost in memories, oblivious to Evan''s presence. "Um... Uncle, are you alright?" he inquired, noticing Jason''s distant gaze. "Oh... yes, I''m fine, just reminiscing," Jason replied, clearing his throat slightly. "Ah," he responded, offering a smile. (:[)) "I was about to come and wake you, but it seems unnecessary now," he remarked, aware that Evan understood the reason for his distraction. "Well, I should head to school," he announced, and was about to leave when Jason called out to stop him. "Where are you going before even having breakfast?" he asked, knowing that Evan was about to leave without eating. "Oh, I figured I could grab something from the store so I wouldn''t bother Aunt Rossy this early in the morning," Evan replied, not wanting her to tire herself by waking up early to prepare food for him. "It''s actually nothing; breakfast is already made, and she was waiting for me to wake you so we could all eat together," Jason explained, sharing the truth. "But you both shouldn''t have to go through this trouble for me. I don''t want to be a burden," Evan protested, feeling like they were making adjustments for him. "No, it''s normal for us to eat this early," Jason said, chuckling. "And Evan, your aunt said it, and I''m saying it too¡ªyou''re not a burden to us," he continued reassuringly. "Bu..." Evan began, but Jason cut him off. "Ah... these days, kids don''t know when to stay quiet and heed their elders'' words. Get inside and eat your breakfast, or else..." Jason barked at him. "Sorry, I''ll do it right away, Uncle," Evan replied, hurrying inside, leaving Jason with a slight smirk. "Kids these days actually listen when we raise our voices," he muttered under his breath as he entered the apartment. Jason noticed Evan assisting Rossy in setting the table and arranging the plates. He settled into his chair and began reading the newspaper, waiting for them to finish. Half a minute later, they were done. "Put that paper aside, Mr. News Anchor, or I''ll burn it in the next ten seconds," Rossy declared, while Evan chuckled upon hearing the nickname she had for Jason. "Alright, just don''t burn it," conceded Jason, who could be quite stubborn at times but tended to yield, knowing his wife''s temper. Afterward, silence fell as everyone finished their breakfast. Once done, Rossy cleared the plates while Jason stood up and retrieved some documents. He handed them to Evan, who looked puzzled. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What''s this, Uncle?" Evan inquired, smiling, worried he might have done something wrong. "It''s just a document I forgot to submit at your school. You''ll need to drop it off at the principal''s office," Jason explained, prompting a sigh of relief from Evan. "Okay, I''ll take care of it," Evan agreed, slipping the papers into his bag. He was about to leave when Rossy halted him. "Evan, aren''t you forgetting something?" she asked, feigning sadness. "What is it, Aunty?" he responded, clueless. "Your lunch, you dummy," she chided, playfully thumping his head. Evan rubbed his head, pretending to soothe the pain. "And what would you eat for lunch at school, huh?" she prodded, her affection warming Evan''s heart. "Thanks, Aunt. I''ll make sure to eat it all," he promised, packing his lunch and dashing off after bidding them farewell, ready to embrace a new day in a new city and school. Chapter 18: The First Step Scenes of a student walking across campus, eyes glued to his phone. He didn¡¯t have to wonder who it was. Yes, our protagonist, Evan, was now waiting for Maps to load as he made his way to his new school. But there was a problem¡ªhis phone lagged like an ancient relic. Still, he found a workaround when he noticed a group of teenagers in school uniforms walking in the same direction. Without missing a beat, he lied and said, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m heading that way too,¡± and merged into the group. His improvisation worked. Kind of. The students felt uneasy, occasionally glancing back at the quiet boy following just a bit too closely. A few even tried to shake him off or confront him, but Evan eluded them like a ghost. It was awkward, yes, but surprisingly effective. And in the end... it worked. Though the walk was supposed to take fifteen minutes, it took him a solid thirty. Still, Evan chalked it up as a win. A walk like this might help him remember the route in the future. Passing through the school gates, he approached a man standing near the entrance, overseeing the flow of arriving students. The man¡¯s brows furrowed the moment he laid eyes on Evan. The teen didn¡¯t quite like a student. ¡°Hey kid, who are you? And what are you doing here in school while wearing the uniform?¡± the man demanded, bombarding Evan before he could get a word in. ¡°Sir, I¡¯m a new transfer student. Today¡¯s my first day. Could you please direct me to the principal¡¯s office?¡± Evan asked, finally finding a break in the barrage. The man blinked, then laughed lightly. ¡°Ah, my bad. Thought you were one of those troublemakers sneaking in for kicks. Principal¡¯s office is on the ground floor. Go down that hallway, it¡¯s the room next to the stairs.¡± ¡°Thanks, sir... Uhmm¡­¡± Evan hesitated, realizing he didn¡¯t know the man¡¯s name. ¡°Oh. It¡¯s Robin,¡± the teacher replied with a nod. ¡°Alright. Thank you, Mr. Robin. I hope you have a good day,¡± Evan said with a polite smile before heading off. Robin chuckled, watching him disappear down the corridor. ¡°Nice kid. Hope he ends up in my class. Damn, forgot to ask which class he¡¯s in¡­¡± He sighed and returned his focus to the sea of students streaming in. Meanwhile, Evan¡¯s journey to the principal¡¯s office wasn¡¯t quite over. Even with directions, he had to stop and ask a few more students before he finally found the right room. Taking a deep breath, he knocked on the door. ¡°Come in,¡± came a deep, gruff voice. Evan blinked. He had expected someone kind and warm, especially since Jason had described the principal as a friendly man. But this voice? It had the weight of a man who didn¡¯t have time for nonsense. Evan opened the door and stepped inside. The principal was seated behind a large desk, nearly hidden behind an open newspaper. The air felt stiff and formal. Evan stayed silent, waiting to be acknowledged. ¡°Are you just going to stand there, or are you going to explain why you¡¯re here?¡± the voice cut through the silence again. Evan straightened. ¡°Sir, I¡¯m the new student. I have a letter from my Uncle Jason. He told me to hand it to you personally.¡± sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He placed the envelope on the desk. ¡°Oh, the one,¡± the principal muttered, setting the paper aside. ¡°Didn¡¯t think they¡¯d adopt a boy your age. Thought he¡¯d go for a baby after his son passed, but here you are. Lucky kid. That man¡¯s got money stacked to the heavens.¡± Principal Rick was known for being brutally blunt. No filter, no care for sugarcoating things. He spoke as if everyone was just a page in his paper. Evan, however, remained composed. ¡°Actually, sir, I¡¯m only staying with them until I reach adulthood. I''m just a ward, nothing more. My parents¡­ they''re unknown. I¡¯m not interested in their wealth¡ªI haven¡¯t even used their money for anything if I can help it.¡± Rick raised a skeptical brow but didn¡¯t argue. He broke the seal and opened the letter. ¡°Let¡¯s see what Jason has to say...¡± Hey friend, If you¡¯re reading this, I¡¯m writing to ask you to say anything weird to the kid. We all know your silver tongue has gotten you into trouble before. His name is Evan, and yes, we adopted him¡ªbut he doesn¡¯t know that yet. We did it quietly. He just thinks we¡¯re letting him stay with us. He wanted out of the orphanage, but Wilson was hesitant until he called me. He told me everything about Evan... and his parents. After a long discussion with Rossy, we decided to adopt him. But Evan wasn¡¯t ready for that truth. So we¡¯ve kept it hidden for now. I¡¯m telling you this because I don¡¯t want him hurt. Don¡¯t bring up his past. Don¡¯t bring up anything that could scar him. And if you ... not even I can protect you from Rossy. She treats him like her own son. Anyway, I hope we can all reunite like old times someday¡ªdrink, laugh, and share stories. And seriously, Rick, don¡¯t say anything stupid. ¡ªJason ¡°Ah, hell¡­ I¡¯m in trouble if this kid opens his mouth,¡± Rick muttered under his breath, setting the letter down. He looked up at Evan, who was calmly glancing around the office, completely unaware of the letter¡¯s contents. ¡°Ahem,¡± Rick cleared his throat. Evan turned to face him. ¡°Yes, sir?¡± Rick narrowed his eyes, then looked out the window, checking if anyone was listening in. He seemed... hesitant. ¡°Kid, may I ask¡­¡± he began, pausing mid-sentence, voice lowering as the air grew heavier. To be continued¡­ Author¡¯s Note: Hey, everyone. I hope you''re doing well! If you''re enjoying the story so far, consider staying tuned, and thanks for reading! Chapter 19: A Seat Among Strangers "Can you help me with something?" Principal Rick asked seriously, setting the letter aside. "Certainly, sir. What do you need assistance with?" Evan replied, assuming it had something to do with the letter. "Well, you see... um," Rick began, hesitating. Evan¡¯s brows furrowed. What could possibly make a man like him hesitate? "Is the task unusual or difficult?" Evan asked, trying to understand the source of the discomfort. Rick sighed. "Alright, here''s the deal, junior. The stuff I spilled earlier¡ªyeah, let¡¯s keep that between us, alright? If it gets out, you, your loaded aunt, and your swanky uncle might end up as walking treasure maps for the wrong kind of people." His tone was half-joking, half-serious, an awkward attempt to cover his earlier slip. Evan¡¯s expression hardened as he grasped the weight of the matter. "I see, sir. Don''t worry. I won¡¯t tell a soul." Rick nodded, relieved. "Good. I¡¯ll call someone to escort you to your class. Just... keep this under wraps, alright? For your safety." "Understood, sir. I won¡¯t even tell my aunt or uncle," Evan said, placing his hand over his heart like a solemn oath. "Good lad. Take a seat on the sofa while I arrange things," Rick said, pointing to a couch behind Evan. Evan sat down, scanning the office curiously. A few minutes passed before the door opened. An elegant woman with brown hair and sharp black eyes stepped in, bowing lightly to the principal. "You called for me, sir?" "Yes, Ms. Blake, thank you for coming. This young man is joining your section. His case is... unique, so please keep an eye on him." Evan blinked. So she¡¯s my homeroom teacher. He stood and bowed respectfully. She returned it with a nod. "Understood, sir. I¡¯ll take good care of him," she said, turning to Evan. "Let¡¯s go." "Thank you, sir. I¡¯ll be going now," Evan added before following her out. As they walked through the corridor, Evan introduced himself. "Hello ma¡¯am, my name is Evan Windstone." She replied without turning her head. "Nice to meet you, Mr. Windstone. I¡¯m Ms. Fiona Blake¡ªyour new homeroom teacher." Then, without skipping a beat, she added bluntly, "I hope you won¡¯t disappoint Mr. Rick. He doesn¡¯t play favorites, so the fact he let you sit there... means you''re either special or lucky. Study hard, alright?" Evan could feel the suspicion behind her words. She probably thought he¡¯d used some sort of influence to get into the school¡ªor worse, into her class. She recalled a memory: a student from a powerful family once had to stand the entire time during his meeting with Rick. But this boy¡­ he was seated comfortably. Still, she said nothing more, leading him up to the first floor, stopping in front of a door marked: Laughter and chatter spilled through the door. Ms. Blake sighed. ¡°Let¡¯s go in before they get wilder.¡± She slid the door open. The room quieted in an instant as every pair of eyes zeroed in on the newcomer trailing behind her. ¡°Attention class. This is a new transfer student. I expect you all to help him settle in and treat him well.¡± Evan stepped forward hesitantly. He scanned the room and saw only one familiar face. A boy in the back grinned and silently mouthed, ¡®Found you.¡¯ ¡°Hello, my name is Evan Windstone. I¡¯m a transfer from Arcanis City. I hope we can be friends,¡± Evan said politely, but his stiff posture and soft tone made his nervousness obvious. Most of the class lost interest almost instantly¡ªexcept one boy, and a few others from what looked like the ¡®nerd gang.¡¯ ¡°Alright, Evan, you can take your seat... Let¡¯s see... Rook! You¡¯re up. Help him out with anything he needs,¡± Ms. Blake said, picking at random. Rook¡¯s face instantly twisted in silent protest, but he begrudgingly nodded. Evan took the seat beside him and turned slightly. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m¡ª¡± ¡°Oi, nerd. Don¡¯t talk to me,¡± Rook snapped in a whisper. ¡°If you snitch to the teacher, I¡¯ll make you regret it.¡± Evan blinked, a little surprised, but not entirely unprepared. ¡°O-okay. I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡± Ms. Blake noticed the tension but said nothing for now. She began the lesson, though her gaze occasionally flicked toward Evan. This one¡¯s going to struggle¡­ she thought. Still, before leaving the classroom, she paused at the door. ¡°Ah, Evan. If you need help, come see me in the teacher¡¯s office after class.¡± Then she left. The classroom buzzed again with social circles and chatter. No one approached Evan¡ªnot even out of politeness. But then¡ª Step. Step. He could feel it. Several students were slowly walking toward him. Nerd gang, he figured. Maybe he could find a place with them. Just as they were about to reach him, a hand gently clamped down on his shoulder. ¡°Hey, you remember me, right?¡± a familiar voice said. Evan turned his head and his eyes widened. ¡°Oh¡­ you¡ª¡± To be continued. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 20: Legends Ever Die, Apparently "You remember me, right, buddy?" someone said, a hand landing casually on Evan¡¯s shoulder. "You..." Evan didn¡¯t even need to turn around. That voice, that vibe¡ªit could only be one person. And sure enough, when he looked back, his hunch was right. James stood there, grinning. "What are you doing here?" Evan asked, genuinely surprised. He thought he¡¯d been separated from his friends for good. Maybe luck hadn¡¯t completely abandoned him after all. "I''m in the same section as you¡ªSection A," James replied with a grin. "Why? Not happy to see me?" "No, no. I¡¯m just... surprised. Honestly, I¡¯m really glad," Evan said, smiling. "But what about Rey? I didn¡¯t see him." "Oh, Rey¡¯s in Section B," James explained. "They split us up." Evan blinked, confused. "Wait¡­ but you¡¯re still friends? Aren¡¯t classmates usually in the same section?" James raised an eyebrow. "You do realize friends can exist outside your homeroom, right? You¡¯ve seen students from different classes hanging out." "...Right," Evan mumbled, still looking a bit unconvinced. "Anyway, when I walked in earlier, I didn¡¯t see you," Evan said, remembering the empty seat next to him. "Oh, I was snoozing in the back. Had to stay up all night working," James yawned, pointing to his lonely desk. "Want to come sit with me? Or would you rather stay here with this grumpy dude?" he added, jerking a thumb toward Rook. Rook''s jaw twitched, but he didn¡¯t say anything. He knew James wasn¡¯t someone to mess with casually. Evan glanced around. "Won¡¯t your usual partner mind?" "I sit alone anyway. Keeps the drama low." "Alright then, I¡¯ll join you. I don¡¯t think I can study well with this tension," Evan whispered, packing up. "Cool. I¡¯ll lend you my notes till you catch up," James offered, handing him a neat notebook. The two began chatting while waiting for the next teacher. Unbeknownst to Evan, just sitting with James caused a ripple in the classroom. "Hey, isn¡¯t that the new guy? The one sitting with James?" "Yeah, I thought he was some no-name nerd, but if he¡¯s with James¡­ maybe he¡¯s rich." "Totally. James only hangs with big shots. Maybe he¡¯s a gangster''s kid... or like, the secret heir of some elite family?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And just like that, the rumors took flight¡ªwhispers fluttering from desk to desk, even leaking into other sections. Soon after, the classroom quieted as the next period began. With James beside him, Evan finally managed to follow the lessons. Then came the most awaited time for many students: Lunch Break. The room buzzed with chatter as students rushed out, some heading to meet friends in other sections. "Yo Evan, let¡¯s hit the cafeteria," James said, tugging him along. "Wait, I brought my lunch," Evan said, pulling out a plain yellow cloth-wrapped box. "Ooh, homemade food, huh? Let¡¯s eat with Rey. He should be waiting," James said, already walking. At the cafeteria, they spotted Rey sitting at a table. "Hey James, grab something quick before we¡ª" Rey stopped mid-sentence as the student behind James came into view. "Evan?! You found him first?!" "Surprise," Evan smiled, taking a seat beside him. "Man, I hope you like our school," Rey said, half-talking, half-munching. "Yeah, James and I met earlier, and we figured we¡¯d eat with you," Evan replied. "I¡¯ll get some food," James said, heading off. "Wait, you could just share with us," Evan offered. "Nah, I don¡¯t do homemade food," James called over his shoulder. "Even if I bring it, I won¡¯t eat it." "Hey¡ª" Evan started, but Rey cut him off. "Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ve tried for a year. He¡¯s stubborn like a boulder." "But how hard can it be to¡ª" "Harder than you¡¯d think." James returned with two cheese sandwiches and a soft drink. Meanwhile, Evan unwrapped his lunch¡ªfour golden chicken drumsticks nestled with steamed veggies, a chocolate cupcake topped with chips, and a side of dipping sauce. James did a double-take. "...Okay, Evan. Level with me. Which family do you belong to?" Rey nodded. "Seriously. That looks like a luxury chef¡¯s bento. You sure you¡¯re not the kid from those Section A rumors? Y¡¯know, the secret heir or gangster¡¯s son?" "What? No! I''m just a regular, everyday normal m¡ªow!" Evan winced mid-sentence as he accidentally bit his tongue. Hard. [System Alert: Attempting to belt out copyrighted lyrics in broad daylight? Tsk tsk. This is your first and only warning. Next time, we¡¯re confiscating your mic. Keep the concerts in the shower, bro.] {A/N: You again?! I thought you died in the last chapter¡¯s cliffhanger! Still coming back for more, huh? You tired of living?} Heh. You think pathetic excuse of a plot twist could kill ? Hah! Go eat dirt, author. Do you ever hear a¡ªLEGENDS NEVER DIE! YAHHHHHHHHH¡ª ???? {A/N: Oh, you¡¯re so dead. The war¡¯s officially on. I swear this story won¡¯t end until I erase you from existence.} "Okay... so it just a rumor," Rey said, leaning back. "But how did you end up in Section A? That class was already locked. Even rich kids couldn¡¯t buy their way in." He looked at Evan, suspicious yet curious. Deep down, Rey felt Evan¡¯s identity was... Something about it didn¡¯t add up. Only time would tell if that hunch was paranoia... or prophecy. Chapter 21: The Anomaly Trio After lunch, the students returned to their classrooms to drop off their lunch bags. As promised, Evan''s new friends took it upon themselves to show him around the school before the break ended. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They regrouped in front of the Section-A door, with about fifteen minutes of lunch left. ¡°Alright, shall we start the tour?¡± James asked cheerfully. Evan nodded with a warm smile. ¡°Yeah. Thanks for doing this, guys.¡± Just as they were about to begin, a figure approached from behind. ¡°Evan,¡± came a firm but familiar voice. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to visit me during lunch for some pointers?¡± It was Ms. Fiona¡ªhands on her hips, eyes locked on Evan. ¡°Oh, hi Ms. Fiona,¡± Evan greeted with a polite nod. ¡°I was about to explore the school with my friends. I really appreciate your offer, but they can help me catch up. I wouldn¡¯t want to take up your valuable time¡ªyou could be teaching other students or just enjoying your own break.¡± His mature response caught both his friends and Ms. Fiona off guard. She blinked, clearly surprised, but quickly composed herself. ¡°Well¡­ if you¡¯re sure. I suppose you¡¯ll be fine with their help. But remember, if you ever need assistance, don¡¯t hesitate to come find me.¡± Her eyes shifted to Rey and James. ¡°Aren¡¯t you two from different sections?¡± ¡°Yes, Madam Blake,¡± Rey said, giving a slight bow. ¡°My name is Rey Dragonstorm. We met outside school yesterday and became friends. I just wanted to help him settle in.¡± Fiona nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. Just make sure you don¡¯t lead him astray. Help him with studies, not... exams.¡± She turned and walked off, disappearing around the corner. As soon as she was out of sight, James nearly exploded. ¡°Evan! Do you even realize what you just passed up!?¡± Evan tilted his head, confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Bro! Ms. Blake is the top-ranked beauty in the entire school¡ªunofficially, of course,¡± James whispered dramatically. ¡°She¡¯s the dream of every guy here. Most students would kill for the chance you just turned down.¡± Evan blinked, baffled. ¡°Are you people seriously crushing on your own teacher? That¡¯s just... weird.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t act like you¡¯re not interested,¡± James nudged him. ¡°You think playing the mature card will get you closer to her?¡± ¡°Wait, are you two actually into this nonsense?¡± Evan asked, already walking ahead to avoid the awkwardness. ¡°Not me,¡± Rey said, raising a hand. ¡°But James here¡­ he once planned a whole proposal. I even saw the letter. There was a receipt for a dinner reservation and a bouquet of red roses.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie! I was just... thinking about it. I never actually did it!¡± James protested, blushing. ¡°Sure, sure,¡± Rey teased, dodging as James swung at him in mock anger. ¡°Ahem... Guys, shouldn¡¯t we be touring right now?¡± Evan interjected before Rey ended up with a black eye. ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡± Rey agreed, laughing as he jogged ahead with Evan. ¡°Hey! Don¡¯t leave me behind!¡± James shouted, chasing after them. With only ten minutes left before the bell, the trio hurried through key locations: the school field, the rooftop, and a few corridors along the way. It was a rushed tour, but Evan enjoyed every second of it. Meanwhile, Fiona walked with purpose through the halls, her earlier calm shaken. She arrived at a door, knocked twice, and stepped inside upon receiving permission. The office was quiet. Behind the desk sat a middle-aged man, tapping a pen against his palm. ¡°Sir,¡± Fiona began, standing respectfully before him. ¡°I¡¯d like to ask about a student.¡± The man didn¡¯t look up. ¡°So, you came after all. I figured you might.¡± He finally met her gaze, his expression unreadable. ¡°But you know the rules. There are things that simply can¡¯t be disclosed, no matter how curious one may be. What makes you think I¡¯ll break protocol for you?¡± ¡°I understand, sir,¡± Fiona said. ¡°But this student¡­ he became close with those two the moment he arrived. That can¡¯t be a coincidence.¡± ¡°Ms. Blake,¡± the man said slowly, ¡°sometimes, we must ignore the strange things we see. Looking too deeply can drag you into a mess you won¡¯t be able to escape.¡± Fiona¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°So you¡¯re saying I should stay silent and do nothing?¡± ¡°Yes. Just focus on teaching your students,¡± he said firmly. Fiona hesitated, then gave a small nod and turned to leave. Once the door shut behind her, the man stood and walked to the window, watching the school grounds below. This was Rick¡ªthe Principal. He spoke softly to himself. ¡°Evan, I covered for you this time... but your decisions will shape what happens next. And of all people to befriend... a fallen noble and a stubborn heir hiding as commoners? What an unusual trio you''ve formed.¡± Returning to his desk, he sat and picked up his pen. ¡°Jason, just what kind of person have you brought into my school?¡± Meanwhile, the trio returned to their classrooms just as the bell rang. Their break was over, but for some reason, it felt like their story was just beginning. ¡ª To be continued ¡ª Chapter 22: The Test That Never Came James and Evan arrived in their classroom, weaving through the low hum of conversation. A few students glanced their way but quickly resumed their chatter. The two returned to their seats, and Evan quietly pulled out his textbooks, aligning them according to the schedule Fiona had handed him earlier. As the class began, Evan¡¯s initial excitement gradually dulled. The teacher¡¯s monotone voice droned on, turning minutes into hours. His eyelids drooped against his will, and he struggled to stay awake, determined not to embarrass himself on his first day. Beside him, James was already dozing off like he owned the place. Just as the period neared its end, the teacher¡¯s eyes landed on James, who was snoring faintly with his chin on his chest. A sigh escaped the teacher, followed by a few extra minutes of lecturing¡ªmostly directed at James¡ªbefore the period finally concluded. As soon as the teacher left, the class erupted into casual chaos. "Thanks, James!" someone called out. "You saved us from the most boring last five minutes ever!" The second period after break was always a struggle¡ªeven for the diligent ones. James, being James, had somehow made it tolerable. James stood and stretched, dramatically flipping his imaginary cape. "It''s nothing. Just a small sacrifice for the greater good. It''s my duty, after all," he said, striking a heroic pose. Right then, a calm voice rang out from the doorway. "Well, Mr. Helper, would you please sit down? I believe that seat is already taken." The classroom fell silent as the door clicked shut behind the figure. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh no¡­ it''s Sir Peter." The students scrambled to their seats, backs straight, faces serious. Peter strode in, eyes scanning the room. "I trust you all remember the board test I assigned a few days ago." His voice was calm¡­ too calm. "Let me warn you now¡ªthe punishment for slackers today will be much harsher than usual." Groans and gasps rippled through the class. Most of the students had clearly forgotten. A few confident faces stood out among the trembling ones. "Hey, Rook! Did you prep for it?" a student whispered. "Of course I did. You think I''d forget Sir Peter''s test after what he did to me last time?" Rook replied, visibly shivering at the memory. Peter¡¯s sharp gaze swept the room¡ªuntil it stopped at Evan. "Well, well¡­ A new face. Care to introduce yourself, kid?" he asked, his tone more curious than accusatory. Evan stood beside James, straightening his posture but saying nothing. Peter frowned. "Are you mute or something?" Evan quickly shook his head. "Then tell me your name and why you''re in this class," Peter demanded, clearly not expecting any unfamiliar students in his domain. Evan spoke softly, almost hesitantly. "Sir¡­ I¡¯m a transfer student. Today is my first day." Unfortunately, his voice was too quiet to be heard across the classroom. Peter¡¯s brows furrowed. "Enough with the excuses. Leave my class or I¡¯ll send you to the principal¡¯s office." Evan blinked, stunned. What? But I answered you¡­ Before he could respond, James stood up beside him. "Sir, please wait. There¡¯s a misunderstanding here." Peter narrowed his eyes. "Misunderstanding? James, are you telling me you support students sneaking into classrooms after break? Promoting harmony, are we?" His voice took a cold edge. "Perhaps you¡¯d like to leave with him?" James kept his cool. "No, sir. What I mean is¡ªEvan isn¡¯t from another section. He¡¯s a new transfer student. Ms. Blake introduced him to the class this morning. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can verify it with her." Peter¡¯s gaze sharpened. "You¡¯re saying¡­ he was officially introduced by Ms. Blake?" "Yes, sir. And I don¡¯t think a teacher would lie about that," James replied, his voice louder now, making sure the entire class heard. The rest of the students chimed in, some eagerly. "Yes, sir! Ms. Blake brought him in!" "We all saw it!" "Please confirm it with her!" Peter¡¯s eyes widened slightly. These students... standing up for someone they barely know? He sighed. "Very well. I¡¯ll go speak to Ms. Blake myself. But if I hear even a whisper while I¡¯m gone¡­" He didn¡¯t need to finish the sentence. The door clicked behind him as he left. "YES!" The class burst into low cheers. No test for now! Hope flickered in their hearts. Still, no one dared raise their voices too loud. Peter''s threat loomed over them. James nudged Evan. "Bro, sit down already. He¡¯s gone." "But¡­ what if he comes back and sees me sitting?" "He won¡¯t be back before the bell. Trust me." ¡°¡­Alright.¡± Evan hesitated before finally sitting down. A few minutes later, the two were deep in conversation about the game they played the previous night¡ªtest forgotten, for now. Meanwhile, down the hallway, Peter strode toward the teacher''s office, fuming. Inside, Fiona was sorting through student reports when he arrived. "Ms. Blake," he said, cutting straight to the point. "I need to confirm something about your Section-A class." "Mr. Peter? What¡¯s the matter?" she asked, surprised by the sudden visit. "There was a student I didn¡¯t recognize in your class. I assumed he snuck in to hang out with a friend." Fiona blinked. "Ah¡­ you must mean Evan." "You know him?" Peter raised an eyebrow. "Hardly. Mr. Rick personally enrolled him. I was just told to introduce him to the class. That¡¯s all I know," she replied, shrugging. Peter¡¯s jaw tightened. "Then I¡¯ll speak with the principal directly." "You can try, but¡­ good luck," Fiona said wryly. "He doesn¡¯t explain much to anyone." Peter didn¡¯t answer. His mind was already set. Without another word, he turned and walked out, heading straight toward the principal¡¯s office. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 23: A Seat No One Claimed While the students were busy gossiping, Peter walked down the hallway and stopped in front of a door marked "Principal''s Office." He straightened his clothes, adjusted his collar, and knocked politely before stepping in. Inside, Rick was savoring a cup of tea, relaxed as ever. ¡°What a pleasant surprise¡ªSir Peter, visiting me at this hour?¡± Rick said, placing his cup on the cupboard with a raised brow. ¡°If I recall correctly, shouldn¡¯t you be in class right now?¡± Peter offered a faint smile as he walked over to the table, sitting down only after Rick gestured for him to do so. ¡°Yes, sir. I was supposed to be in Section-A¡­ but a few things came up. I¡¯m here because I need some information,¡± he replied calmly. Rick leaned back slightly, curious. ¡°Oh? Must be important. I can¡¯t imagine anything less getting you to skip class and come looking for me. Tea?¡± He gestured toward the kettle sitting beside his worktable. ¡°No, thank you, sir,¡± Peter said, shaking his head. ¡°I came to ask about a student. Specifically, the new transfer who just enrolled today.¡± Rick froze mid-reach. For a moment, a child¡¯s face flickered in his mind. ¡°So? What about him? Did something happen?¡± he asked, tone neutral but cautious. ¡°Has he misbehaved?¡± ¡°No, not at all,¡± Peter replied. ¡°I just wanted to know why he was placed in Section-A. A few days ago, you mentioned that the section was full. That even the wealthiest families couldn¡¯t get their children in¡ªyet now, suddenly, a new student appears without any prior notice.¡± His tone was calm, but the suspicion was evident. Rick¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, his fingers tapping the table once. ¡°Mr. Peter, some things are better left unasked. But fine. I¡¯ll repeat what I¡¯ve already prepared for situations like this¡ªEvan, the student in question, had been previously enrolled but was unable to attend due to¡­ personal circumstances. Now that those are resolved, he¡¯s simply claiming the seat that was always his.¡± He took a slow breath, eyes cool. ¡°Every section has a strict seat limit. Odd, isn¡¯t it? That one seat in Section-A remained vacant all this time. I never filled it¡ªnot for scholars, not for VIPs. And you should know better than anyone: once full, no one gets in.¡± Peter frowned slightly but remained quiet. ¡°Now, if that¡¯s all, I believe your class is waiting,¡± Rick said, giving the perfect polite dismissal. But Peter wasn¡¯t done. He hesitated. Then¡ª ¡°One last question, sir,¡± he said, his voice more serious now. ¡°After that, I¡¯ll leave¡ªeven if I don¡¯t get an answer.¡± Rick sighed internally, preparing another well-crafted lie. ¡°A few weeks ago,¡± Peter continued, ¡°a well-known businessman came here, offering all sorts of incentives just to get his child into Section A. You rejected him without a second thought. So why now? Why Evan? I doubt his parents offered more.¡± It was a bold statement¡ªone that could¡¯ve earned him disciplinary action. But Peter stood by it. Silence lingered. A full minute passed. Then Rick, head slightly bowed, finally spoke. ¡°Alright¡­ If you really want to know, then I¡¯ll be honest. Evan is neither wealthy nor poor. His admission wasn¡¯t a result of money or influence. That seat was always his. I never offered it to anyone else for a reason.¡± He looked Peter straight in the eye. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°He deserved it. I didn¡¯t want to demote him just because of things beyond his control. You know how things work here¡ªonce a section is full, not even a genius gets in. I merely upheld that rule.¡± Peter stiffened, then slowly stood up. He bowed deeply. ¡°I apologize, sir. It was wrong of me to imply anything else. I doubted your integrity, and I hope you can forgive me.¡± Rick waved it off, expression unreadable. ¡°Return to class, Peter. You¡¯ve done enough for today.¡± After Peter left, Rick slumped back into his chair with a groan. ¡°God, spinning tales of justice is exhausting¡­ Can¡¯t believe he actually bought it,¡± he muttered. A knock at the door snapped him back into professional mode. Meanwhile, Peter made his way back to his classroom. ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Realization dawned. ¡°Those brats tricked me into thinking the test was canceled!¡± His brows twitched. ¡°Tch. They¡¯re not getting away with it.¡± Just as he reached the door, the bell rang¡ªsignaling the end of the period. ¡°Yayyyy,¡± the students whispered under their breath, celebrating their narrow escape. Peter¡¯s smile twitched. ¡°Think you¡¯ve gotten away? Dream on.¡± He clapped once, grabbing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Tomorrow, you¡¯ll all take the test¡ªwithout any extra time to revise. Prepare for an extra session. And you!¡± he pointed at Evan, who stood up instinctively. ¡°The new guy.¡± Evan blinked. ¡°I¡¯ve already been informed about you. Just because today¡¯s your first day doesn¡¯t mean you get special treatment. You¡¯ll need to work twice as hard to catch up. Go through the first few chapters of Math and let me know if you have any doubts. Understood?¡± ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Evan replied quickly, nodding. ¡°Good. Now then¡ªclass dismissed. And remember¡­ no mercy tomorrow.¡± With that, he walked out, coat fluttering behind him like a battle flag. The students slumped into their chairs, a mix of despair and relief painted across their faces. They had avoided the storm today¡ªbut tomorrow was coming. To be continued... Chapter 24: The Quiet Deception After a while, the new period teacher began his lesson, his gaze never quite landing on Evan. Peter, with his voice that carried like a loudspeaker, had already informed every teacher about the new student in Section-A, advising them not to investigate, as he had already handled it himself. He shared the fabricated story that Rick had concocted about Evan, painting a convenient narrative. Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, and the final school bell rang. The joy on the students'' faces was palpable, especially since the math teacher had skipped class, even though he was technically present at school. James and Evan quickly packed their bags, exited the classroom, and made their way down the stairs to the ground floor, ready to leave the school building. Students from every class were leaving with their friends, while some lingered, chatting and packing their bags. "So, now that school¡¯s out and we¡¯re free, why don''t we all head to the game parlor?" James suggested, glancing at Evan, who was walking beside him, observing the bustling students and teachers organizing things or keeping the mischief-makers in check. "No, I think we should study at home today. Don¡¯t you remember? Sir Peter is administering the test tomorrow, and you''re on the list of students," Evan reminded, recalling the day''s events. "Yeah, but I¡¯ve got my ultimate cheat code," James replied confidently, his grin widening. "No one would ever suspect it. With it, I¡¯ll ace the exam." Evan, puzzled, didn¡¯t fully grasp James¡¯s words but understood the gesture¡ªhe was referring to Rey, who had obtained the test paper. Rey had agreed to share it with James after a little bribe in the form of some in-game items. Rey had his conditions: James could only answer half the questions correctly and needed to ensure the cheat sheet didn¡¯t attract any attention, as getting caught would doom them both. This arrangement was possible because Peter, often lax in his duties, tended to use the same test papers across multiple sections and had been printing them for years, a fact James had capitalized on. With Peter as Rey''s homeroom teacher, and James¡¯s class following theirs, they had found a way to cheat the system. But Evan didn¡¯t want to get involved in this. He preferred not to meddle in James''s plan and declined the invitation to the game parlor, instead opting to study and fill in the gaps in his syllabus. After some insistence, James and Evan both agreed to go their separate ways, parting ways after the discussion. Alone, Evan took out his phone and opened the map to navigate his way home. The map showed his current location and the route to his building. After following the directions, Evan found himself on a familiar road, one that he could navigate without the map in the future. Turning off his phone screen, he walked, taking mental notes of the route to make it easier to remember, so he wouldn¡¯t need the map every day. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A few minor difficulties aside, he eventually arrived at his building. However, as he approached his aunt¡¯s apartment, he noticed the door was slightly ajar. Curious, he walked closer to check if something was amiss. Inside, he found his aunt, Rossy, deeply engrossed in watching TV on the sofa. She didn¡¯t notice Evan as he entered. "Aunt, what are you doing?" Evan asked, startling Rossy, who almost fell off the sofa. "Oh, Evan, you nearly gave me a heart attack! How did you get in?" she asked, her breath still shaky. "I just came from school and noticed your door was open. I thought something might have happened, so I came to check," he explained, gesturing to the door. "Oh, sorry, Evan. I must have forgotten to close it. I got caught up watching TV. So, tell me, how was your first day at school?" she asked, turning off the TV as she prepared to head to the kitchen. "It was fine. I met some friends I made yesterday who also study there. It was kind of fun, nothing too special," he replied as he sat down next to her on the sofa. "Alright, if you say so. Your timing¡¯s perfect. Go freshen up quickly and come back for lunch. Jason and I thought you''d be late from school," Rossy said as she headed to the kitchen. "Okay, I¡¯ll be back in a few minutes," Evan replied, heading toward his apartment to change. Just as he reached his floor, he saw the girl who lived next door¡ªthe one he had seen earlier that morning. She was standing outside, waiting for someone, perhaps him. Thinking it might be important, Evan decided to approach her, not wanting to be avoidant if something was wrong. He walked towards his door, preparing for whatever was about to happen¡ªand indeed, it did. The girl spotted him and quickly approached, fearful of missing him again. "Hey, wait! I wanted to talk to you about something," she said, causing Evan, who would usually avoid confrontation, to pause and turn toward her. "What is it, miss? I don¡¯t believe we¡¯re acquainted," he replied, gripping his door handle, ready to retreat if needed. "Oh, it''s just that I wanted to apologize for yesterday and today. My boyfriend is quite impulsive and protective. He worries that other guys living nearby might... well, you understand. That''s why he¡¯s been trying to secure the apartment next to mine. But his actions made things complicated, and I¡¯m really sorry for any inconvenience caused," she explained, bowing deeply with a remorseful expression. Evan realized then that his decision to wait was correct. The misunderstanding was now cleared up, and he wouldn¡¯t have to avoid them anymore. He could live normally until he decided to move out. "No need to apologize. I wasn¡¯t aware of the situation and mistook him for a troublemaker. But rest assured, I¡¯ve already forgotten about it. You both don¡¯t need to worry about me interfering with your relationship, so tell him not to be concerned," Evan responded before entering his apartment. The girl, satisfied with his words, walked away and made a phone call to her boyfriend. "Hello, darling. You know the man who lives next to me¡ªthe one who ran off this morning? Well, I just spoke with him, and I¡¯ve successfully earned his trust. The first part of the plan is done. Now, I just need to move on to the next step," she said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice. Laughter echoed from the other end of the line. "Good work, darling. He fell for it like a fly to honey. But don¡¯t get too carried away. Keep things subtle, alright? And get him out of the building quickly. I¡¯ve already made plans to take care of that," he said, his voice laced with a sinister edge. As the girl entered her apartment and closed the door behind her, little did they know that someone was listening in¡ªJason, part-time detective and Evan¡¯s close friend. He had overheard the conversation and recorded it, already planning his next move. He didn¡¯t have all the proof yet, but he was determined to get more. To be Continued... Chapter 25: A Quiet Day, a Stirring Truth Oblivious to the hidden truths playing behind the scenes, Evan had just stepped out of the bathroom in his apartment after changing clothes, ready to head out for lunch. With the one lingering problem finally resolved, he felt surprisingly light. A genuine smile danced on his lips as he grabbed his phone. "Alright¡­ after lunch, I¡¯ll study a bit for tomorrow and go through the syllabus. Rey and James sent me everything I need," he muttered, locking the door behind him and heading toward Rossy''s place. Once he reached the ground floor, he stopped outside their door and gave it a couple of knocks. Footsteps approached from inside. He expected Rossy to answer. But the door swung open¡ªand it was Jason. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re back from school, huh?¡± Jason said casually, masking the fact that he¡¯d been lurking in the hallway earlier, secretly watching someone. ¡°Yes, Uncle. I arrived a little while ago. Aunt Rossy told me to join you both for lunch,¡± Evan replied smoothly, unfazed by Jason¡¯s demeanor¡ªhe¡¯d grown used to it. "Are you two going to chat at the door all day, or are you coming in for lunch?" Rossy''s voice rang from inside. ¡°Coming!¡± both replied in unison, stepping inside, Jason leading and Evan following behind. They took their seats at the table, waiting for the food to be served. ¡°So, what were you two talking about?¡± Rossy asked, handing them their plates. ¡°Oh, nothing much. I just asked him about his day at school,¡± Jason answered quickly, cutting Evan off before he could say anything. Rossy narrowed her eyes. ¡°Is that so, Evan?¡± Evan nodded without hesitation. ¡°Yes. Uncle was just asking how school went, nothing else.¡± ¡°Hm. Alright then. But if he asks anything else, come to me immediately. I¡¯ll deal with it,¡± Rossy said sweetly¡ªthough Jason could sense the sharp undertone behind her smile. Jason cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. ¡°Okay, okay. Eat your food before it gets cold.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Evan said and dug in. The conversation died after that. Lunch passed in peaceful silence. Evan leaned back afterward, content, rubbing his stomach with a satisfied smile. Rossy, happy that Evan enjoyed her cooking, began clearing the plates with a gentle smile on her face. Then Jason turned to Evan. ¡°Hey, about that letter I gave you this morning...¡± Evan blinked, half-drowsy from the meal. ¡°Oh right, I nearly forgot about that.¡± Rossy returned from the kitchen, drying her hands. ¡°Something wrong?¡± ¡°No, no. I was just asking if Rick mentioned anything,¡± Jason replied. Rossy¡¯s expression shifted, concerned. She leaned in. ¡°Did your stinky old principal say anything weird? Anything about us?¡± Evan shook his head. ¡°Nope. Mr. Rick just read the letter and had a teacher escort me to my class.¡± He kept the rest hidden, honoring his promise to Rick. ¡°Alright. What section did they assign you to?¡± Jason asked. His letter had clearly mentioned placing Evan in a non-problematic section. ¡°Section A,¡± Evan said with a grimace. ¡°Honestly, it caused more problems than I expected. Every teacher stared at me like I was some zoo animal. One even went to ask the principal about me.¡± Rossy and Jason exchanged a glance. ¡°And nothing else?¡± Jason pressed. ¡°Nothing. Just told me to catch up by doing extra work.¡± They nodded in understanding. It wasn¡¯t unexpected, but still annoying. ¡°Alright, go study something useful. You¡¯ll need it,¡± Jason said. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Right,¡± Evan nodded and stood up, walking to the door¡ªbut paused mid-step. ¡°Oh, and... Mr. Rick said your plan was perfect. You guys can meet up when you¡¯re ready.¡± Jason¡¯s eyes lit up slightly. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll talk with the others and set a time.¡± Evan gave a slight nod and exited the apartment. The hallway was empty. ¡°Looks like everyone¡¯s resting,¡± he muttered, ascending the stairs to the first floor. When he reached his door, he paused. The girl¡¯s not here. He sighed in relief, unlocked the door, and entered. At first, he thought about taking a nap. But he knew that would mess up his sleep later¡ªand he had school in the morning. So instead, he sat at his desk, pulled out his notes, and started catching up. Literature and mathematics. His favorites. Time passed. Meanwhile, back in Rossy and Jason¡¯s apartment... Jason sat at the table, his brows furrowed. ¡°Damn it. I told him to place Evan in a less problematic section, and now this.¡± He considered calling Rick to chew him out, but Rossy stopped him. ¡°You think that old fart didn¡¯t say anything to Evan? I don¡¯t buy it. Rick always opens his mouth. He probably said something¡ªEvan¡¯s just covering for him.¡± Jason stayed silent, but the crease in his forehead deepened. Rossy crossed her arms. ¡°And you¡¯re not mad he didn¡¯t mention the whole adoption thing to Evan?¡± ¡°I am mad,¡± Jason said firmly, ¡°but we¡¯ll deal with it at the gathering. Let him think Evan didn¡¯t tell us anything. That¡¯ll be our edge.¡± Rossy looked at him for a moment... and nodded. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll handle some chores. You go get your... ¡®secret tasks¡¯ done.¡± Jason gave her a knowing look and left. Rossy sank into the sofa and turned on the TV. ¡ª Back in Evan¡¯s apartment. He stretched after finishing his notes and leaned back in his chair. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day.¡± Outside the window, the sun was setting, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and gold. ¡°Huh, past six already... Time flies.¡± He stood up, packed his books, plugged in his phone¡ªnow fully charged¡ªand locked the door behind him. Downstairs, the streets were alive with evening strolls. Families and residents walked about, chatting. As Evan stepped outside, he took the chance to greet the neighbors. Many were surprised¡ªthey hadn¡¯t noticed him around before. After exchanging polite hellos, Evan began walking down the street, blending into the calm rhythm of the evening. Chapter 26: The Gaming Cafe Hangout Evan had just walked downstairs when he noticed Jason, standing outside his apartment gate, deeply focused on a stack of paperwork. Curious but not wanting to interrupt, he approached silently. Jason finished reading and looked up¡ªonly to find Evan staring at him quietly. He jumped back, startled. ¡°Woah! Are you okay, uncle?¡± Evan asked, blinking in surprise. ¡°Is there something on my face?¡± Jason exhaled, placing a hand over his chest. ¡°No, no. I was just¡­ caught off guard. You appeared out of nowhere. When did you get here?¡± ¡°Just now,¡± Evan said with a small smile. ¡°I saw you were busy, so I waited until you finished.¡± Jason nodded, finally understanding. ¡°Alright, that makes sense. So, what brings you here? Need something?¡± ¡°Not really. Just heading out for a walk. Thought I¡¯d clear my head after studying.¡± Jason gave him a nod of approval. ¡°Alright, but be careful. And make sure to be back before eight.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Evan replied cheerfully as he made his way toward the main gate. As he stepped outside, a warm feeling bubbled in his chest. Having someone to remind him to come home early¡ªeven for something as simple as a walk¡ªfelt oddly comforting. He pulled out his phone and decided to call James. If he was out, maybe they could hang out. If not, Rey might be free. The first call went unanswered. He tried again. This time, James picked up. ¡°Hey bro, where are you?¡± James asked right away. ¡°I just finished studying and felt like going out for a bit,¡± Evan replied. ¡°Wanted to see if you¡¯re free to hang.¡± ¡°Perfect timing,¡± James said. ¡°Rey and I are at Blaze Fox Gaming Caf¨¦. Come join us!¡± ¡°Wait¡­ is that the same place we first met?¡± ¡°Duh. You seriously forgot that already?¡± James teased. Evan chuckled. ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll be there in a few minutes.¡± He hung up and opened the map app on his phone, typing in the caf¨¦''s name. A list of nearby gaming clubs popped up¡ªand sure enough, Blaze Fox was on the list. ¡°Found it. Let¡¯s get going before they call again,¡± Evan muttered, selecting the route and heading out. The walk wasn¡¯t too long, and when he reached the caf¨¦, a wave of nostalgia hit him. Yep. Same place. Inside, the place was buzzing with activity. Gamers of all ages filled the ground floor. He made his way to the second level, weaving past groups and glowing monitors until he spotted two familiar figures in a corner booth. Rey was dressed in casual clothes, while James, oddly enough, was still in his school uniform. ¡°Hey! I¡¯m here,¡± Evan called out. ¡°Oh hey, Evan!¡± James said, setting his headphones down. ¡°We were just about to call you.¡± Rey gave a nod in greeting and pulled a chair over for him. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evan glanced at James¡¯s outfit and raised a brow. ¡°Still in uniform?¡± ¡°I did go home, but it¡¯s¡­ suffocating there,¡± James replied, his tone neutral. ¡°So I come here whenever I can.¡± ¡°You should still check in at home first. Your parents would probably appreciate it,¡± Evan said. Rey nodded in agreement. ¡°I always check on my sister before heading out,¡± Rey added. ¡°Even if I¡¯m just going to work afterward.¡± James leaned back, arms crossed. ¡°What if your parents are never home? Leave before you wake up, come back when you''re asleep. You only see them on holidays or special occasions.¡± His words hung heavy in the air, silencing the two friends. ¡°Sorry,¡± Evan said softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know your situation. I was just speaking from my own experience.¡± James gave a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. They¡¯re working for my future¡ªI get it. Doesn¡¯t make it easier, though.¡± He turned back to his screen. ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s play. Come on.¡± Evan logged in and entered the game lobby. His character stood under a pulsating shadow sigil, dark aura swirling around him. ¡°Let me warm up first,¡± he said, queuing for a solo match. The match lasted eight minutes. He managed to sneak-kill a player from behind¡ªonly to be taken out seconds later by a sniper wielding an elemental wind bullet. Rank: 16 out of 100. Level Up: 2 ¡ú 3. A glowing chest appeared in his inventory¡ªhis reward for three consecutive matches. Inside were designer gear and a new gun skin. ¡°Nice,¡± Evan grinned, equipping both to give his avatar a more unique look. Soon after, he received a team invite from James. The trio played a series of duel matches, focusing on improving their coordination. By the time their ninth game ended, it was already 7:30. ¡°Guys, I think it¡¯s time to head home,¡± Evan said, glancing at the clock. Rey stretched and nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m feeling the same.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll play one more match,¡± James said quickly, his hand hovering over the keyboard. ¡°You guys go on.¡± ¡°Nope,¡± Rey cut in. ¡°You said that last time and played for another two hours. You¡¯re coming with us.¡± James sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine, fine.¡± He logged off, packed up his things, and cleaned up their table, tossing wrappers and cans into the trash bin. They exited the club together, then parted ways at the corner after a quick goodbye. ¡°We should get home before it¡¯s too late,¡± Evan murmured, pulling up his map app again and heading toward his house. Chapter 27: The Cursed Room After parting ways with his friends at the gaming club, Evan headed off alone. Despite having walked the route several times now, he still wasn¡¯t fully familiar with it¡ªso out came his trusty guide: the map app. He tapped in his home address. A route quickly popped up on the screen, showing both his current position and the destination. ¡°Phew, I¡¯m on time,¡± he muttered, noting that he still had a bit of a buffer before reaching home. As he continued walking, he pulled out his phone again. ¡°Maybe I should ask Aunt if she needs anything from the store.¡± He dialed her number. It rang a few times before she answered¡ªand as expected, Rossy didn¡¯t wait for him to speak. ¡°Evan! Are you okay? Are you lost again? Just tell me where you are¡ªI¡¯ll come get you!¡± Her words were rapid-fire, panic clearly setting in before Evan quickly cut in. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Aunt, I¡¯m fine, really.¡± ¡°I just wanted to know if you needed anything from the store since I¡¯m close by.¡± That stopped her. She calmed down, exhaling sharply. ¡°Oh, thank goodness. I was about to send Jason to pick up a few things, but since you¡¯re offering¡­¡± She listed off what she needed and even transferred the money to his phone, despite Evan¡¯s attempts to decline. Soon enough, Evan found himself inside a neighborhood convenience store. He gathered the items on the list and walked up to the counter, where a chubby-faced man was helping another customer. He waited patiently. After the other customer left, Evan placed his items down. ¡°Hey there. You new around here?¡± the man asked with a grin. Evan gave a polite nod. ¡°Knew it! I¡¯ve got a sharp memory, and I don¡¯t forget faces. First time here, huh?¡± The man¡¯s friendliness caught Evan off guard, but he replied kindly, which seemed to please him. ¡°Tell you what,¡± the man added, leaning over the counter, ¡°I¡¯ll throw in a small discount. First-time bonus.¡± ¡°Thanks,¡± Evan smiled. ¡°So¡­ where do you live, bro?¡± the man asked casually. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m staying with Mr. Jason in the building right behind the store. First floor, room 103.¡± As soon as Evan said that, the man¡¯s expression dropped. ¡°Oh no, bro¡­ I hate to say this, but it sounds like you¡¯ve hit a rough patch.¡± ¡°Oh, by the way, name¡¯s Leo.¡± ¡°Rough patch? Why?¡± Evan asked, confused. Leo leaned in, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal a juicy secret. ¡°That room¡­ is cursed.¡± Evan blinked. ¡°What? I¡¯ve been living there for a while, and nothing¡¯s happened.¡± Leo shook his head gravely. ¡°It starts after a week. Trust me, you wouldn¡¯t believe what happened to the last two guys who lived in room 103¡­¡± He pulled up a chair and, with a serious tone, began telling the tale. ¡°First guy was just a regular dude, lived a quiet life¡­ until the girl next door called the cops on him. Accused him of peeping and harassment. He tried to suppress the news, but it spread like wildfire. His career? Ruined. Social life? Gone. He had to leave the city in shame.¡± ¡°The second guy? Same room. Lived peacefully for a while¡­ then a story broke out that he tried to seduce and¡ª¡± Leo hesitated. ¡°¡ªwell, on the girl next door. He got arrested. Jailed. His family and friends cut him off. He ended up moving to another kingdom to start over, but his life was basically done for.¡± Evan clapped slowly. ¡°You¡¯re quite the storyteller, Leo.¡± Leo smirked, but there was still caution in his eyes. ¡°Some say the girl framed them. Others say the room itself is cursed. Either way, bro, you seem like a good kid. Be careful, alright? Don¡¯t trust people too easily¡ªespecially her.¡± Evan gave a nod of understanding. The two chatted a bit more before Evan decided it was time to leave. ¡°Take care, brother! Hope to see you around again,¡± Leo said as new customers trickled in. Evan stepped out, his mind replaying the story Leo had told him. ¡°Could she really be that dangerous?¡± he wondered. He decided to avoid any unnecessary contact with the girl next door¡ªbetter safe than sorry. He arrived back at Rossy¡¯s apartment and handed over the groceries. ¡°Thank you, Evan. You¡¯re such a thoughtful boy. Go on, watch some TV while I cook.¡± Evan sat down and turned on the television, only to have Jason plop down next to him moments later. Wordlessly, Evan handed over the remote. ¡°It feels weird letting an elder pick what to watch¡­ but I guess that¡¯s how it works,¡± Evan thought. After a while, Rossy called them to dinner. Jason turned off the TV, and they joined her at the table. The meal passed quickly. Once finished, Evan excused himself and returned to his apartment. He climbed the stairs, nearing his floor¡ªwhen he noticed something. The girl next door¡¯s boyfriend was standing outside, knocking. A few seconds later, she opened the door and let him in, glancing around nervously to ensure no one saw. She didn¡¯t spot Evan, who stood quietly in the shadows, observing. He felt a chill run down his spine. ¡°I should steer clear of them,¡± he thought, quickly unlocking his door and heading inside. After finishing a few minor tasks, he lay down on his bed. Sleep came easily. But peace did not. Half an hour later, Evan¡¯s sleeping face began to twitch. He was dreaming¡ªagain. But this wasn¡¯t like his usual dreams. It started normally. He was in danger, as usual. On the verge of death. But just as the killing blow was about to land, the dream shifted. Suddenly, he was standing alone in a vast, surreal place¡ªa sky of endless white above him, and a dark, glassy floor stretching to the horizon. He was suspended between heaven and earth. Then¡ª He turned. And froze. Ten colossal beings stood before him. Towering, 15 to 20 feet tall. Their shapes were vague, shifting. Humanoid, yet not. Their presence defied logic. Then the world began to shake¡ªcracking, shattering. And from the tallest one, a voice rumbled like thunder: ¡°The time is coming.¡± That was all. Evan shot up in bed, drenched in sweat. The fan whirred overhead at full blast, but it did nothing to cool his fevered body. He stared out the window. ¡°Well¡­ today¡¯s dream was different,¡± he muttered. Outside, the horizon glowed orange¡ªthe sun was rising. Author''s Note: Hey everyone! Thanks for reading. Chapter 28: The Three-Year Promise [11th April 2024] Evan had arrived in Lumina Town at the age of fifteen, back in 2021. Now, he was eighteen¡ªhaving quietly celebrated his birthday on January 16th. In these past few years, he had grown incredibly close to Rossy and Jason. So close, in fact, that he¡¯d completely forgotten his original plan¡ªto stay with them for just three years. That time has already passed. And yet¡­ he was still living with them. He had always known that any other caretakers would¡¯ve likely reminded him of the arrangement. Maybe even asked him to leave. But Rossy and Jason never brought it up. They treated him like he had always belonged. Still, guilt gnawed at him. So, on a holiday, he finally worked up the courage to talk to them about the time limit. It¡­ didn¡¯t go well. When he brought up the possibility of leaving their home, Rossy didn¡¯t say a word. But her expression said everything¡ªeyes wide, brimming with tears, before she turned and ran to her room, crying. Jason, on the other hand, was furious. Evan spent hours trying to calm Rossy down, explaining himself again and again. But she remained hurt, feeling betrayed. She had believed Evan saw them as family¡ªyet, to her, it now seemed he still saw them as just his aunt and uncle. In the end, she gave him an ultimatum: Either promise to live with them as family¡­ or consider them dead. It wasn¡¯t an easy decision, but Evan made the promise. He had assumed he could one day move out and still keep calling them ¡®aunt¡¯ and ¡®uncle¡¯¡ªbut after this¡­ he understood. That bond had already changed. They weren¡¯t just caretakers anymore. They were home. Later, he apologized to Jason, which¡ªthanks to Rossy¡¯s help¡ªdidn¡¯t go as badly as expected. From that day forward, Evan wasn¡¯t just staying with them. He belonged. He was genuinely happy. A weight had lifted from his heart, and he could now focus entirely on his studies¡ªto support the very family that had supported him. Even if they didn¡¯t need it, it was something he wanted to do. The next three years of his life passed like a gentle breeze¡ªnormal, calm, almost peaceful. His dreams of those strange ten beings became less frequent, occurring just once a week, and even those were becoming less blurry. But then something strange happened. After his birthday passed¡­ the dreams stopped. He didn¡¯t think too deeply about it. In fact, he was overjoyed. Perhaps the strange illness or whatever it was had finally ended. Months passed without a single dream¡ªnot even normal ones. His life seemed to improve on every front. School, health, peace of mind¡ªeven his grades climbed higher. Everything felt perfect. Even a situation that could¡¯ve completely ruined him¡­ was narrowly avoided. And it all started with her. A girl he¡¯d recently become friends with began visiting him often¡ªbringing juice, snacks, and little things to brighten his day. She was friendly, and he was always polite. But Evan made sure to keep a respectable distance. He didn¡¯t want anything¡­ awkward. But she noticed that distance¡ªand she didn¡¯t like it. She tried to get closer, but Evan made his stance clear: he wasn¡¯t interested in anything more. That¡¯s when she snapped. One afternoon, she stormed into his room, tearing her clothes and scratching her skin with her nails. Then, she began screaming at the top of her lungs¡ªcrying out for help as if Evan had assaulted her. Neighbors came running. They saw her tattered clothes. Her wounded arms. Her terrified expression¡ªcrafted expertly with crocodile tears. And they saw Evan, standing there, stunned. He tried to explain, but her sobs drowned out his voice. Someone called the police. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Within minutes, sirens echoed through the building. People gathered. Whispers turned into angry outbursts. The story had already taken shape in their minds¡ªhe was the villain. She was the victim. Jason didn¡¯t speak, but Rossy tried her best to defend Evan. No one believed her. The girl¡¯s boyfriend arrived on the scene, and she rushed into his arms, sobbing harder, her makeup smudging in all the right places. The neighbors cried out for justice, for punishment, demanding Evan be arrested on the spot. Rossy''s eyes were filled with pain as the police grabbed Evan by the arms and led him away. "Jason! Say something!" she screamed. But Jason remained silent. He walked into Rey¡¯s room, ignoring the chaos. Rossy chased after the officers, desperate to stop them. She knew Evan was innocent. She could feel it in her soul. And she was willing to go to any lengths to prove it. Meanwhile, the girl¡ªsnuggled in her boyfriend¡¯s embrace¡ªsmirked, hiding her satisfaction behind a fresh wave of fake tears. But just before Evan could be taken away, Jason¡¯s calm, commanding voice cut through the crowd like a blade. ¡°Wait.¡± Everyone turned. Jason stepped forward, holding something in his hand. A tape. The police paused. Jason wasn¡¯t a normal man¡ªhis presence alone carried weight. Out of respect, they agreed to hear him out. Soon, the entire group¡ªofficers, neighbors, the girl, her boyfriend, and Rossy¡ªgathered in Jason¡¯s apartment. He played the footage. The screen lit up with a recording of Evan in his room, quietly studying. Then came a knock. The girl entered, smiling sweetly, and offered him snacks. They sat and talked. Everything looked normal. Until¡­ she began tearing her clothes, scratching herself, and screaming. The room went silent. And at that moment, the truth became crystal clear. ???? Author Note: Hey, everyone, thanks for reading! Chapter 29: The Unveiling and the Reunion [12th April 2024] Yes... The moment the real culprit was revealed, the entire room froze. Gasps echoed like gunshots. People blinked in disbelief. And just like that, opinions flipped faster than a coin in mid-air. On the massive screen, the girl who had been playfully clinging to Evan only seconds ago suddenly twisted into something else entirely. Frustration etched across her face, she started tearing her own clothes¡ªpiece by piece. Then, with a chilling, snake-like smile and a glare that could cut glass, she screamed. ¡°HELP! SOMEBODY HELP ME!¡± The scene turned chaotic. But everyone now knew the truth. The moment the authorities rushed in, the girl put on her act flawlessly, but the evidence on-screen had already destroyed her lies. Rossy and Evan stood still, unfazed. Calm. Composed. But the guilty couple? They looked like dried leaves in the wind¡ªdrained of color, trembling under the weight of truth. The crowd around them? Shocked. Ashamed. Betrayed. The guy made a break for it¡ªbut it was too late. Two officers were already there, grabbing him and locking his hands behind his back. Even the girl wasn¡¯t spared. A stern-looking female officer stepped forward¡ªthe same one who had been quietly observing from the start¡ªand escorted her out without a word. Justice. As they were taken away, silence loomed over the room like a storm cloud. Then¡­ came the apologies. One by one, people bowed their heads to Evan, Rossy, and Jason. They weren¡¯t at fault. They had just been swayed by tears¡ªby a manipulator, a master actress, a venomous snake. Jason had saved Evan from a deep pit, and he knew it. A few days later, the news broke wide: That same girl and her boyfriend had done this before¡ªframing innocent guys and vanishing before consequences caught up. But not this time. Not with Jason around. Rey and Rossy were stunned when they learned the whole truth. Jason... had installed a hidden camera in his house months ago. He had been preparing. Waiting. Watching. And when the moment came, he struck. With precision. They were left speechless. With his foresight and cool demeanor¡ªJason had been the MVP of the day. No question. Without him, they might¡¯ve been the ones drowning in false accusations and despair. Evan, filled with gratitude, wanted to throw a massive party to celebrate. He even offered to use the money he had been saving. But Jason? He flat-out refused. "No need," he said, brushing it off like it was no big deal. Still, Rossy cooked them a feast that night¡ªone filled with warmth, relief, and laughter. That moment marked the resolution of the darkest chapter Evan had faced so far. And after that? Life... started flowing smoothly. His days became brighter, simpler. Calm. Normal. But of course, normal never lasts forever. Exactly one year later, in 2022, something significant happened. Jason and Rossy organized a grand reunion¡ªa gathering of friends and family. For Evan, it turned out to be a turning point. That¡¯s when he truly realized who he had been living with all this time. People of honor. Character. Loyalty. They had even offered to make him a permanent part of their family. He still found it hard to believe. And even though he didn¡¯t want to go to the reunion at first, Jason made a personal request. How could he say no? March 15, 2022 ¨C The Grand Reunion. The venue? The most luxurious hotel in all of Lumina City¡ªfully booked. Evan arrived a day earlier, on March 14th, confused. ¡°Why so early?¡± he had asked. Couldn¡¯t they just arrive an hour before the event? Turns out... no. A surprise holiday had been announced. The entire city of Lumina was under high alert due to the visit of top-ranking army officers. A city-wide curfew after 9 p.m., with heavy penalties for any violators. Jason, Rossy, and Evan traveled at night¡ªescorted in a luxurious, velvet-lined car provided by the hotel itself. Evan was stunned. Jason and Rossy, meanwhile? Cool as ever. As if this was routine. The hotel glimmered under the moonlight, its underground parking lot filled with high-end sports cars and elite rides Evan had only seen in magazines. As they stepped out, Evan felt... small. The ground floor was bustling with people dressed like royalty. Then it happened. A well-dressed family walked up to Jason and greeted him with deep respect¡ªas if he was some high-ranking executive. Evan blinked. And then blinked again. Was this the same Jason he had been living with? More people followed, Merchants. Nobles. Old-money aristocrats. And every single one of them treated Jason and Rossy like they were somebody. Meanwhile, Evan? He just stood there. Invisible. That was when a tap on his shoulder broke his daze. ¡°Yo, Evan,¡± said a familiar voice. He turned around. Rick. Dressed in an expensive blue suit, white shirt crisp as winter air, shoes gleaming like obsidian. Rick smirked. ¡°You look kinda lost, my guy.¡± Evan tried to speak, ¡°No, I was just¡ª¡± But Rick cut him off. ¡°Ah, I get it. They kicked you out, huh? So you''re working here now? But where¡¯s your uniform? Don¡¯t forget to show up at school, alright? And hey, what are you pointing at?¡± Rick paused, finally noticing Evan¡¯s hand pointing behind him. He turned. And froze. Jason and Rossy were standing right there. Rossy¡¯s expression? A volcano seconds before eruption. Jason tilted his head. ¡°We¡¯ve been here the whole time, Rick. Didn¡¯t I warn you not to run your mouth?¡± Rick gulped. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jason slowly stepped back, clearly passing the judgment on Rossy. And Rossy? She exploded. Rick couldn¡¯t escape. He was caught. And what Evan witnessed that day¡­ became legendary. He finally saw why Rossy was feared among all of Jason¡¯s friends. Even the boldest of them dared not speak recklessly around her. Jason had once told him¡ªback in her prime, Rossy was a fierce, intelligent beauty. Feared, respected, and utterly untouchable. No one ever stood a chance. Except Jason. He had won her over. But that¡¯s a story for another time. For now, Evan just thanked the heavens Rossy didn¡¯t make a public show out of Rick. That would¡¯ve been... unforgettable. Hey everyone, it¡¯s your author here. So, I have a question¡ªdo my readers even have keyboards? ?????¡á? Not a single comment. Not even a typo spotted. Not even a ¡°When¡¯s the dungeon arc starting?¡± You guys are reading this like it¡¯s a secret vlog or something ???? So just this once, can y¡¯all type ¡°yes¡± or ¡°no¡± in the comments? Let me know if I¡¯m doing something right¡ªor if you''re just silently watching me sink like a stone ???? Peace out. ¡ª ?? Chapter 30: The Unexpected Encounter On the night of March 14th, Evan had just arrived at the venue when he ran into someone he hadn¡¯t expected¡ªRick. And Rick? Well¡­ Rick had already been by Rossy for running his mouth earlier with some absolutely bonkers nonsense about Evan. While nothing showed on the surface, the guy''s entire body was screaming in pain. Rossy had just barely restrained herself from going full-on savage. In her rage, she''d almost torn the man''s clothes off and left him standing in nothing but his underwear in front of the guests. The only reason she didn¡¯t? Evan was watching. Still, she gave Rick a death-glare and whispered something so chilling that Evan didn¡¯t quite catch it¡ªbut Rick? Rick¡¯s soul nearly left his body. His spine stiffened like he''d been doused in ice water. The next second, he was nodding like a terrified donkey, swearing to never troll Evan again before disappearing faster than a shadow at dawn. With that chaos out of the way, the trio headed to the front desk to confirm their reservation. At first, the hotel staff gave them confused looks¡ªunderstandable, considering their casual clothes. But the moment the receptionist heard their names, the mood shifted . Eyes widened, backs straightened, and suddenly, the staff couldn¡¯t bow deep enough. Evan, oblivious as ever, simply followed along. The manager appeared almost too quickly, personally escorting them to their suite. And what a suite it was¡ª larger than Evan¡¯s entire apartment. Luxury was an understatement. Inside, they found rows of tailored suits and elegant evening dresses. Rossy immediately darted off to change, zeroing in on a dress called ¡ªa name Evan didn¡¯t recognize, though her attendant rattled off fashion terms like rapid-fire bullets. Jason changed into a sleek black coat over a charcoal-gray shirt and designer jeans. The man looked like a cold, brooding villain straight out of a novel. Evan? Not so lucky. A male attendant bombarded him with a fashion parade, making him swap clothes for twenty whole minutes before finally settling on something decent. Author¡¯s Note: As a guy with zero fashion sense, I gotta admit¡ªI like my clothes comfy, oversized, and loose. If fashion had a trash tier, I''d live there. Once they were dressed, they followed the manager toward a massive hall where the party was already in full swing. Guests mingled, music played, and glasses clinked in the background. People began approaching them almost immediately, and Evan instinctively stepped back¡ªhe wasn¡¯t a fan of crowds. But Rossy had other plans. She his arm, locked him in place, and smiled sweetly while introducing him around like a prized gem. He awkwardly tried to make small talk, but it wasn¡¯t going well. Rossy noticed, sighed, and finally released him. Now free, Evan slinked over to a quiet corner with a mysterious drink in hand. It was sweet, with a subtle sour kick¡ªsomething he surprisingly enjoyed. He sat there in peace, occasionally glancing at his aunt and uncle chatting away. Rossy, even while talking to others, kept checking on him from across the room. But Evan wasn¡¯t as invisible as he thought. Someone had been watching him from afar and finally decided to walk over. ¡°Hey Evan, didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± He turned, blinking in surprise. It was Fionna Blake, his teacher. ¡°Teacher? Oh¡ªhi! I didn¡¯t expect you either. I came with my family,¡± he replied, gesturing toward Jason and Rossy in the distance. Fionna gave a half-smile. ¡°Same. I¡¯m here with my parents and cousin. He¡¯s catching up with some old friends, and they decided to throw this party. The whole city declared a holiday just for it,¡± she added, visibly annoyed. Evan chuckled. He hadn''t expected someone from such a prestigious family to be so¡­ relatable. ¡°By the way,¡± she continued, ¡°have you seen your friend yet?¡± S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°James? No, I haven¡¯t. I came straight from the room,¡± he replied, scanning the crowd. Fionna nodded. ¡°Well, let¡¯s go find him later. For now, come with me. I need to meet someone¡ªmy idol, actually. He should be around here somewhere¡­¡± Her eyes sparkled as she spotted the couple in question and tugged Evan through the crowd. They finally reached them¡ªa distinguished-looking man and an elegant woman. Fionna stepped forward, her voice laced with respect. ¡°Excuse me, sir, ma¡¯am, may we have a moment of your time?¡± The woman smiled warmly. ¡°Of course, dear.¡± Fionna beamed as they were led to a quieter corner. ¡°I¡¯m Fionna Blake. It¡¯s an honor to meet you both¡ªI¡¯m a big fan,¡± she said with a shy smile. The man clicked his tongue. ¡°A Blake, huh? You don¡¯t look like that old bastard.¡± Fionna blinked. ¡°Yes, sir. That would be my father. I take more after my mother.¡± The woman chuckled softly. ¡°Don¡¯t mind my husband, dear. He¡¯s just teasing.¡± ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m sure if he said something about my dad, my dad probably earned it,¡± Fionna replied honestly. ¡°Well, let¡¯s not dive into that,¡± the woman said gently. ¡°Now tell me, are you friends with that young man there?¡± She nodded toward Evan, who had been standing behind Fionna the whole time, looking half-awkward and half-amused. ¡°Oh! I forgot to introduce him! This is my student, Eva¡ª¡± But the man interrupted with a smirk. ¡°Oh, we know each other, don¡¯t we, young man?¡± Evan scratched the back of his head. ¡°Uncle, Aunt, you could¡¯ve told her we came here together¡­¡± Fionna¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Wait¡ªwhat did you just say?¡± ¡°Huh? Uncle and Aunt?¡± she repeated, grabbing his arm. Rossy sighed and rubbed her forehead. ¡°Blake, he¡¯s family. He came with us to this party.¡± Jason nodded. ¡°That¡¯s why he calls us Uncle and Aunt.¡± Fionna blinked like she¡¯d just taken a critical hit. ¡°So you¡¯re telling me¡­ I¡¯ve been chatting with your aunt and uncle this whole time? And you never told me?!¡± Evan shrugged. ¡°Honestly, I didn¡¯t even realize you were talking about ¡± Fionna looked mortified. Rossy stepped forward, voice firm. ¡°Let¡¯s forget all that. Fionna, answer me something¡­¡± ¡°Yes, Ma¡¯am?¡± she replied, startled. Rossy narrowed her eyes slightly. ¡°Can you tell me your¡ª¡± Chapter 31: The Shadow in the Arcade ¡°Can you tell me your relationship with our Evan?¡± Rossy asked with a straight face. The surrounding air froze for a moment. ¡°Huh?¡± Both Fionna and Evan blinked in utter confusion. ¡°Oh great, she did what I feared...¡± Jason muttered, turning away as he quietly slipped out of the frame to escape the rising secondhand embarrassment. ¡°What do you mean, ma¡¯am?¡± Fionna asked, her voice slightly unsteady. ¡°I mean...¡± Rossy leaned in with an innocent smile, ¡°What is your relationship with our Evan? How close are you two?¡± ¡°Ohhh, that¡¯s what you meant. Well, ma¡¯am, I was his homeroom teacher when he first joined our school. Now, I¡¯m just a regular teacher.¡± Fionna¡¯s calm reply instantly dashed Rossy¡¯s internal fantasy. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Rossy pouted slightly, her face falling with a flicker of disappointment. ¡°So, not a friend¡­ I didn¡¯t expect you to be a teacher at this age. Well, good for you,¡± she added with a forced smile. ¡°Um... Was my answer not satisfying to you?¡± Fionna asked, puzzled. ¡°Nothing, nothing at all,¡± Rossy said, trying to act unfazed, though the defeat was written all over her face. ¡°Let¡¯s go, many of my friends are calling us,¡± Jason called out from a safe distance, waving her over. Rossy gave Evan one last motherly shout across the hall, ¡°Listen, Evan! If you get sleepy, go to your room, okay?! Don¡¯t stay up too late¡ªand not someone room, alright, dear?¡± Heads turned. Murmurs spread. Evan froze on the spot, visibly dying inside. ¡°¡­So now I why Sir Rick gave you admission to Section-A, huh?¡± Fionna said with a knowing smile, raising an eyebrow. Evan sighed, ¡°Yes and no. Uncle wanted to put me in an average class, but Sir Rick forced me into A. Not my fault.¡± ¡°What are you going to do now?¡± she asked, waving back to some friends calling her over. ¡°I¡¯ll just roam around. Try to find James if he¡¯s here,¡± Evan said, scanning the crowd. ¡°Alright then. Bye~¡± ¡°Bye.¡± He began wandering through the massive party hall, eyes trailing over the students chatting in groups. He didn¡¯t bother to join them. Instead, he walked past one group¡ª ¡ªand paused. ¡°Hey, did you hear? There¡¯s a guy in the arcade who hasn¡¯t lost a single match!¡± one of them exclaimed. ¡°Yeah! Let¡¯s go see that pro!¡± Evan¡¯s interest piqued. Without a word, he followed the group quietly. The game arcade was a whole different world. Rows of premium PCs and futuristic gaming pods lined the walls. It put his regular gaming parlor to shame. But what caught Evan¡¯s attention was the crowd gathered around a large screen. He weaved through the players and peered in. A duel was in progress¡ª One character was a massive, muscle-packed bruiser with insane HP. The other? A slim street fighter with average stats. The match began, and to everyone¡¯s shock, the street fighter chained together a brutal combo, slicing the tanky opponent¡¯s health in half. Then another¡ª And another. The crowd erupted. ¡°FIFTY-EIGHT WIN STREAK!¡± someone screamed. The winner stood up, raising a fist¡ª And Evan¡¯s jaw dropped. James. A familiar smile on his face. Evan pushed through the crowd toward him. Some people laughed, thinking he was another fanboy. James, however, looked confused when he noticed Evan. ¡°Hi, where¡¯ve you been? I¡¯ve been looking for you,¡± Evan said. James tilted his head. ¡°Mmm¡­ have we met before?¡± Evan stared. Then squinted. Then frowned. ¡°You dumb donkey¡ªit''s me!¡± Recognition hit James like a brick. ¡°Ohhh Evan?! Man, you look different. I didn¡¯t expect to see you here!¡± Evan mock-punched his arm. ¡°You seriously didn¡¯t recognize me because I changed clothes?¡± ¡°Well¡ªyeah! You looked like one of those VIP tech guys!¡± James laughed. The people nearby watched in awe. Evan rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever. Let¡¯s go play some duo.¡± They found two open PCs and jumped into a match. Their teamwork was solid¡ªuntil a random ambush wiped them out, leaving them with 2nd place. James grumbled under his breath, but Evan shrugged it off. ¡°Relax, we¡¯ll go again.¡± Just as their characters stood in the game lobby, someone shouted from behind: ¡°Hey kid! Is that a on your ID?!¡± All heads turned. Gasps erupted. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shadow Element. A rare¡ªalmost ¡ªelement in the game world. Players swarmed. Cameras clicked. Someone took a selfie with the screen. ¡°Yo, stop it,¡± James growled. The crowd backed off slightly. Then came the inevitable¡ª ¡°Hey, I¡¯ll buy your account for 100,000 Dragon Points!¡± ¡°150,000!¡± ¡°300,000!¡± Offers flew like bullets. And it didn¡¯t stop. It rose. And rose. And rose again. 960,500 Dragon Points. Everyone waited with bated breath. Would he sell it? Would he cash out? These weren¡¯t just numbers. Every kid here came from a powerful background. To them, burning hundreds of thousands on a game account was child¡¯s play. Evan raised his hand. ¡°Stop. My answer is...¡± __ Tell me what he''s going to say. And I think you already know it, right? Chapter 32: Sold for Silence, Born in Shadows "My answer is that whoever bids the highest will win my account," Evan declared, shocking James and everyone else who had expected him never to sell his account. "Hey, bro, what are you doing? Why are you trying to sell your account? It''s a unique element, bro!" James protested, pulling him aside from the group. "Why do you ask? Can''t you see those guys who just took my picture? I''m sure they''re going to post it on social media, which will waste a lot of our gaming time, and I don''t think you''d appreciate that," Evan explained, trying to make James understand his reasoning. "But how? I thought it would make you popular, and I don''t see how it could affect our gaming time," James asked, still confused. "Well, you see, when we play games and someone who¡¯s seen this post comes over, they''ll start asking whether my account is for sale or not. That will waste time, and if I sell it here, then no one will bother the guy who buys it. Or if they do, then it¡¯s his problem," Evan elaborated. After a long contemplation, James finally agreed with his plan and decided to let him sell the account. "Okay, whoever wants to buy it, raise your bid by raising your hand," James shouted, signaling the start of the bidding again. The value of the account soared even higher, now reaching around 970,430 points. Evan could hardly contain his excitement, knowing that he was about to receive a windfall that would support him for a long time. After selling his account to the man who had requested his bank details, Evan received the money within minutes of providing them. As he contemplated what to do with this unexpected windfall, he decided to anonymously donate half of it¡ªabout four hundred thousand¡ªto his orphanage, fearing they might reprimand him if they knew the source of the funds. With the remaining half, he planned to treat himself, buy gifts for Rossy and Jason for their birthdays, and throw a modest party for his friends at a nice restaurant, postponing any further plans for later. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Snapping back to reality, Evan provided the buyer with his account details, allowing him to log in and make changes at his discretion. The new owner, initially liking the name "Tenebris Revenant," decided to change it to his own after Evan¡¯s earnest request. And so, the name "Tenebris Revenant" was erased. Evan, with a determined look, decided to create a new account and awaken a talent that would blow everyone''s mind. Initially shocked, he looked around to see if anyone was watching him, but no one seemed to notice. The crowd was too absorbed in the gameplay of another player, who was exceptionally skilled with his new ID. James was also impressed, watching the players¡¯ game, not even noticing Evan¡¯s work. Evan turned off his ID after naming it , reflecting on his past as he stared at the new, darker identity he had just created. He then noticed his friend, who seemed amazed by the new player¡¯s skills. The player wielded the character¡¯s abilities so expertly that he appeared like a professional, while Evan, by comparison, seemed like a novice. Evan pulled James away from the crowd, who was still watching the skilled player. "Hey, bro, why are you pulling me away? Can¡¯t you let me watch a bit more? He¡¯s much more skilled than you¡ªand even both of us combined!" James said, looking satisfied. "Okay, okay, but what I''ve got is something far more powerful than this shadow ID and that guy''s skills," Evan replied with a grin. "But what is it? Is it about your new ID? Which element did you awaken¡ªfire, earth, or air?" James inquired, remembering that Evan was creating a new ID. "No, it''s something much more shocking. You''ll be shocked too," Evan said, his smile widening. "Bro, did you do something crazy again?" James asked, his suspicion growing that his friend might have discovered some new, insane element. "Let¡¯s set that aside for now and tell me what you''re going to do with this money," James said, glancing at Evan¡¯s bank account, which displayed an impressive sum. While it might not have been a lot for James, for Evan, it felt substantial. "Oh, nothing much. I''m planning to donate a portion to my orphanage, and the rest will go towards gifts for my uncle and aunt," Evan replied as the two of them left the arcade. Subsequently, the two friends relaxed outside for a while and had dinner at the arcade. Around midnight, they retired to their respective rooms. Evan, who was particularly joyful during those days, vividly remembered the following day, which was a bit of a blunder when he was introduced to everyone as a family member of Jason and Rossy Valor. Now, everyone in high society knew him, and being recognized as a member of the Valor family was no small feat. But those days were wonderful, and Evan would never forget them. As he packed his school bag, preparing to head to school, he reflected on those times, realizing that even the most unexpected decisions could lead to unforgettable memories. Chapter 33: The Calm Before the Storm Evan, who was now attending school without his phone, had become accustomed to the change as his dreams no longer disturbed his nights, allowing him to sleep well. The money he earned from selling his first ID was put to good use; half was donated to an orphanage, and the remainder was spent on gifts for Jason and Rossy. Strangely, these days, he felt a sense of well-being, as if something he had lost was returning to him. He felt more energetic and refreshed with each passing day, a change he couldn''t quite comprehend, and when he inquired with friends and family, they assured him everything was normal. Setting these thoughts aside, he reflected on the pro gaming league match he had watched the day before. To his surprise, one of the teams featured a player with a unique elemental ID, who, coincidentally, was the person who had purchased Evan''s shadow element ID. Now, this player''s name was becoming well-known across various gaming communities. Despite his anonymity, everyone criticized Evan for selling his ID to this player, unaware that the buyer had chosen not to disclose the name of his benefactor. Evan was astounded to see that the guy had become a pro player with the ID; his sync rate with the ID was so high that he was named MVP of the day. Someone once said that a person receives what destiny has in store for them, and it seemed he wasn''t meant to play with that ID. Now, he had a far superior one. His new ID was the mythical ''Element of Life.'' His friends were stunned. How could anyone receive such a superior element in life? They even joked that he must be the son of the company owner to get such amazing elements, but the truth was, he was just fortunate. The skills of his new ID included Heal, HP Transfer, and Revive. The normal skill allowed him to revive himself or another, while the ultimate skill could revive the entire squad if he was alive. He also had attack skills like ''Life Arrow Rain'' and a passive ''Drain Effect,'' which sapped the enemy''s health bit by bit over ten seconds, with a fifteen percent chance of taking effect. His class was truly overpowered compared to the unique class. Evan, ever the calm one, couldn''t help but feel envious. He grinned as he remembered the faces of his friends. They were somewhat jealous of his luck and skills, yet still pleased to have him as a valuable team member, knowing Evan wouldn''t leave them so easily. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evan chuckled to himself, causing passersby to stare as if he were a fool, which embarrassed him, and he hurried away. Arriving at his school, he found James waiting for him. The school was abuzz with pride as the final session of classes, where Evan and his friends were enrolled, was nearing its end, with the fifteenth of April just days away. After that, they would take their final exams, which would determine their futures. Evan felt prepared; his studies were nearly complete, needing only a bit more revision before he could declare himself ready. "Hey bro, I was waiting for you," James greeted him with a hug. After chatting for a while, they walked into the school, encountering Mr. Peter, who was there to check on the students. They both bowed to Mr. Peter out of respect and moved on, beginning to wait for Rey, who was late once again. They both knew that if Mr. Peter caught Rey arriving late again, he would be in trouble. Rey still hadn''t arrived, and the time to close the gates was drawing near. Both Evan and James were aware that Rey was about to be reprimanded, just as the gates were about to close. Someone stopped it by sticking his hand into it. Indeed, it was Rey, who was taking such deep breaths that he resembled a marathon runner. "You still seem to be late, Mr. Dragonstorm," Peter remarked as he saw him entering through the gate. "Oh, sorry sir, I was delayed by some traffic," Rey offered his excuse, which he doubted would work, but he decided to try it anyway since everyone else did. "So nowadays, even pedestrians encounter traffic, huh? Well, I''ll have to discuss this with the government then," Peter retorted sarcastically, overshadowing Rey''s excuse. "Okay... I apologize, sir. I was late last time and it won''t happen again, so please let me off this time," Rey pleaded honestly. "Hufff~~~~~ Rey, I understand you have many responsibilities, but you need to be attentive and prepare for your future, as it may not be as bright as others''," Peter advised, letting him go for the moment. From the way he looked at him, Rey knew he was spared to save face, but he was certain a lecture or punishment awaited him in Peter''s office. He walked away to find his friends waiting for him. "Hi guys, good to see you both," Rey greeted them as he joined them. "Hey, bro, did Mr. Peter give you a hard time?" James inquired with a smirk. "Nah, it''s just my everyday routine," Rey dismissed as Evan sighed at his friend''s naivety regarding the teacher''s anger. They all walked away, and after a brief conversation, they separated to attend their classes. Rey distanced himself from his group and arrived at his class. He entered and took his seat, but today, something was different about him; he was muttering to himself, gazing into the empty air above him. He seemed to be conversing with someone unseen, which startled the others sitting nearby, prompting them to decide against engaging with him. Little did they know, he was indeed speaking to someone ¨C whether it was a ghost or something else, that remains unrevealed in this story. {To discover what happened to him, read my second book ''RISE OF THE HOLY DEMONIC GOD.'' It''s equally thrilling and exciting, so don''t fear, the real show is just beginning.} He fell silent when his classroom teacher entered, and they began their studies. Rey was among them, yet occasionally, he would speak as if someone was bothering him. His three periods were consumed by this, and his last period before lunch was with Mr. Peter, who taught the class while keeping a watchful eye on Rey, who was unusually attentive. After class, as Peter was about to leave, Rey was relieved not to be punished, but then his nightmare returned. "Rey, come meet me in my classroom in five minutes," Peter called out, drawing the attention of all the students to Rey, who, with a pained expression, began walking towards the office. Some boys gave him sympathetic looks, while others, including a handsome boy named Jonny, were pleased. Jonny was eager to witness Rey''s punishment but didn''t want to risk getting caught, so he refrained. Rey walked out of the class under everyone''s gaze, but his absence went unnoticed as everyone returned to their own activities. As Rey left, someone entered the room, the door slamming shut with a loud thud. But who it was that came running in here like this, is it Rey who came back in fear or someone else? This can only be revealed in the next chapters, so stay attentive and see you later. __ In case you don''t come back, and we can''t meet again (which may happen, maybe a little as I think you will be attached to this story if you like it), goodbye, good afternoon, good night, good morning, and lastly, but not least, good evening, guys. Chapter 34: The Fall and the Void [11th April 2024] James and Evan moved briskly through the school corridors, heading toward Peter¡¯s cabin. Word had spread that Rey had been summoned for punishment again¡ªand this time, it sounded serious. Meanwhile, inside that very cabin, Rey stood silently in front of Peter, his head lowered like a guilty student in a textbook scene. ¡°You''re late. Again,¡± Peter said sternly. Rey gazed at the floor as if it were studded with diamonds, silently enduring the never-ending lecture on attendance and academic discipline¡ªtopics that drained the life out of every student. ¡°Rey, are you even listening to what I¡¯m saying?¡± Peter asked, narrowing his eyes. Rey¡¯s head shot up, a perfect mask of sincerity. ¡°No, sir¡ªI mean yes, sir! I¡¯m listening very carefully.¡± Peter raised a skeptical brow but chose not to press further. ¡°Look, kid¡­ I understand your situation,¡± he said, his voice softening. ¡°Ever since your father''s accident, you¡¯ve been helping your mom. I respect that. But please¡ªtry to be more attentive in class. Good grades could land you a decent university. A stable job. A better life.¡± ¡°I understand, sir. I really am trying,¡± Rey replied earnestly. ¡°Have you looked at the math help book I gave you?¡± Peter asked, recalling the notes he''d specially prepared. ¡°Yes, sir. I''m studying it¡­ very carefully,¡± Rey said with a pause and a strange glint in his eyes, as if thinking, {You can study it too if you check out my second book¡ªseriously, go read it}. Peter nodded, but he wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°Still, I can¡¯t let you off scot-free. You need to face some consequences.¡± He turned, scanning the room for inspiration. Rey, who had just started to feel relief, stiffened again. As his gaze drifted toward the window, his heart skipped a beat. Outside, just beyond the glass pane, two very familiar silhouettes stood frozen. James and Evan. Watching him get grilled. Peter¡¯s eyes followed Rey¡¯s line of sight¡ªand stopped. There, on top of a cabinet near the same window, were two large bundles of paper sheets. Peter walked over, his movement startling the two eavesdroppers, who immediately ducked below the windowsill like guilty spies. ¡°Take these sheets to the ground floor storeroom. And make sure it''s done before lunch. Only then can you eat,¡± Peter instructed, placing the stacks on the desk. Rey, still distracted, stood motionless. ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Peter asked again. ¡°Oh¡ªyes, sir! I¡¯ll do it before lunch!¡± Rey replied quickly. Peter walked past him, pausing only to whisper with a faint smirk, ¡°Tell your friends not to come looking for you again. Next time, I won¡¯t let them off without punishment.¡± He exited, leaving Rey stunned and blinking at the door. After a moment, Rey stepped to the window. ¡°Where are you two going?¡± he called out casually, catching them mid-sneak. ¡°Wha¡ªoh! Uh¡­ we were just passing by and saw you getting yelled at. Thought we¡¯d check on you,¡± James said awkwardly. ¡°Come inside. Help me out,¡± Rey muttered. ¡°Peter sir won¡¯t get mad?¡± Evan asked, visibly nervous. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°He already knows you were there,¡± Rey replied with a tired sigh. Once inside, the boys stared at the towering bundles of paper. ¡°What are we doing with these?¡± James asked, eyeing the workload. ¡°Storeroom. Ground floor,¡± Rey said, lifting half the stack. Evan grabbed the other half. James, in classic James fashion, tried to lift an entire stack by himself. Despite struggling, he pushed forward, unwilling to back down. They made their way down the stairs. But just as they reached the final steps, two younger students came bolting through the corridor. BAM! One collided with Evan. ¡°Ah¡ª!¡± Evan stumbled. His foot missed the stair. Then, in one heart-stopping instant¡ª he fell. THUD! Papers flew into the air like white confetti. ¡°Evan!¡± Rey yelled, dropping his bundle. Students nearby gathered instantly. Evan wasn¡¯t bleeding¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t moving either. ¡°Help me carry him!¡± Rey shouted to a nearby student. Together, they rushed Evan toward the infirmary. Meanwhile, the others collected the scattered papers. James returned moments later, learning what had happened. Panic set in as he rushed to the nurse''s office. Inside, the nurse examined Evan. James turned to Rey, who quietly led him outside. ¡°He¡¯s okay, bro. Just unconscious. The nurse said he needs rest.¡± ¡°Got it. You go eat, lunch is almost over,¡± James said, trying to stay calm. Rey nodded and jogged off. James stayed behind, sitting on a bench. Inside the infirmary... Evan stood in complete darkness. His eyes were shut. When they opened, they revealed a world of nothingness. Black. Endless black. Cold swept over his skin. His breath caught. ¡°Where... am I?¡± he whispered. He tried to walk. His footsteps made no sound. ¡°Hello?¡± he called out. ¡°Anyone there?¡± No answer. He tried to remember. I fell... down the stairs. Did I¡­ die? His mind raced. Was this that void from all those novels? The one you enter before you¡¯re reincarnated or meet some cosmic being? No way. I¡¯m not that unlucky¡ªor lucky. But before he could finish the thought¡ª the void shifted. A ripple surged across the blackness. And then¡ª Something moved. A twisted, shadowy figure slithered from the darkness, its form barely visible but felt deep in Evan¡¯s gut. Eyes¡ªcountless, glowing, watching¡ªopened in the abyss. Evan took a step back. ¡°No... no, no, no¡ªwhat is this?!¡± His voice echoed into the void. The thing moved again¡ªcloser. He screamed. What exactly did Evan see that made him scream in terror? And what does this darkness have to do with his real body back in the infirmary? To be continued¡­ Chapter 35: The Screams of Lives Once Lived What Evan witnessed made him screech in terror as he stumbled backward, retreating instinctively. His eyes widened in horror. The scene before him was grotesque¡ªunbearably cruel and gruesome beyond words. His stomach churned at the sight, but nothing came out. His body felt like it was no longer solid¡ªmore like transparent gas. Before him lay two men in critical condition, the kind that would¡¯ve killed an ordinary person long ago. Both wore distinct sets of fantastical armor. One gripped a massive game-like sword, while the other held a bow nearly as tall as himself. Their faces bore the marks of suffering¡ªetched with sadness, pain, longing... and finally, a fierce desire for revenge. The swordsman''s face was riddled with cuts. One of his eyes had been slashed clean out, and a deep gash ran across his torso, nearly splitting him in half. The archer fared no better¡ªhis body was riddled with punctures, front to back. His armor was torn and scorched, his skin blotched with dark, poison-like burns. Both of them screamed in agony. Evan approached them¡ªhesitantly¡ªbut just as he neared, their bodies dissolved. In their place, two faint lights floated into the air... and then surged straight into Evan¡¯s chest. He gasped as his semi-transparent form grew more solid¡ªbut in exchange, agony followed. Thousands of invisible blades slashed across his body. His pores burned as if pierced by endless needles. At moments, it felt like an arrow was gouging through one of his eyes. Yet no visible wounds appeared. It wasn¡¯t just physical. A storm of emotions swept through him¡ªsorrow, anger, madness, hatred... and something even deeper. Something ancient. He didn''t understand it, but a cruel urge to lash out, to destroy, bubbled up within him. Then, just as suddenly as it began, the pain faded. Evan lay on a pitch-black floor, staring blankly into the void above. His body¡ªor perhaps soul¡ªtrembled, unable to move. It felt like he had just lived two full lives... but he couldn¡¯t remember them. Still, an unfamiliar yet powerful sense of loss gripped his chest. A longing for someone he couldn¡¯t recall¡ªsomeone he may have never even met. He wanted to hold them. Never let go. Tears rolled down from his real body lying on the bed. Anyone who saw him would think he was grieving in his sleep. He slowly sat up, looking around. Nothing. Just darkness. Then¡ª BANG! A loud crash shattered the silence. One direction of the void was suddenly torn open, light breaking through. Relieved, Evan turned... only to freeze. The ten beings stood before him once more. ¡°Oh come on... Was it all just a dream?¡± he muttered, his expression a mix of exhaustion and dread. ¡°Do I have to go through this hell every night?¡± Before he could even process it¡ª "Hello, #####. I hope you''re prepared." A voice echoed out. Evan¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°H-huh?!¡± He understood them¡ªfor the first time, truly and clearly. "Can you hear us, R####? This is our final communication before you reach #### # (####) for ascension," said another. Evan barely caught the words, some still distorted. But this time, it felt real. ¡°Yes... I can hear you. But who... Who are you?¡± He noticed that all of them deferred to the tall figure standing at the center. This one radiated authority¡ªundeniably the leader. ¡°We are the Ten Thrones, #####,¡± the one Evan had mentally labeled as ¡°One¡± spoke. ¡°We¡¯ve come to inform you of your destiny¡ªone that may determine either our downfall or ascent.¡± ¡°Destiny? What do you mean? Why do I keep having these dreams? Who were those two? Why did I feel their pain¡ªmy pain¡ªas if I lived through it?¡± The words poured out of Evan. He''d been holding back these questions his whole life. ¡°It¡¯s not a dream, Evan. They shouldn¡¯t have involved you, but... you need to know the truth. You are destined to save our world. And what you''ve seen every night is not fiction¡ªit¡¯s us, reaching you. This world is being invaded by mana. That¡¯s how our connection was established.¡± ¡°The two people you saw? They¡¯re you¡ªyour past incarnations. Or more accurately, your past lives... before you regressed,¡± another explained. Evan blinked. ¡°Wait... You mean like in those fantasy stories? Regression, transmigration, second chances...?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± One said. ¡°Except... they¡¯re not just stories, Evan. They¡¯re real. Everything. Including teleporting you to our world.¡± ¡°But... why me? Can¡¯t you pick someone else from your own world?¡± ¡°You¡¯re mistaken. This isn¡¯t our choice¡ªit¡¯s yours. The first time, you came to our world during the First Awakening of your planet. You fought with us... and died trying to help. Before dying, you activated one of our ancient artifacts. It saved your soul and allowed your return. You swore to come back... with strength.¡± Evan remained silent. ¡°Now, your world has entered the Third Awakening phase. This is the final cycle¡ªand the most crucial. The invasion will begin sooner than expected.¡± Evan frowned. ¡°But wasn¡¯t that invasion supposed to happen four or five years later?¡± ¡°That timeline has changed. You¡¯ve already regressed twice. Now, time is accelerating.¡± The one standing beside the leader, holding a thick tome, stepped forward. ¡°Mana levels in your world have already surpassed the threshold for global contact. The invasion is just days away.¡± Evan clenched his fists. ¡°So what happens now?¡± ¡°Three days from now, mana will flood the region you reside in. That influx will trigger a teleportation gateway¡ªstrong enough to bring you to our world.¡± ¡°One¡± nodded firmly. ¡°Be ready. After today, we won¡¯t be able to reach you again until the invasion begins.¡± Evan sighed deeply. ¡°Alright. But... don¡¯t expect me to save your world without some kind of cheat, alright? I¡¯m not a miracle worker.¡± S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Laughter echoed from a few of the Thrones. ¡°Of course. We¡¯ve already consolidated all the hard work of your previous lives. This time... you¡¯ll begin with the fruits of both.¡± A sudden tremor rippled through the space. The beings began to vanish, fading one by one. "Evan, remember. Three days." And just like that¡ªeverything disappeared. Only the darkness remained. Chapter 36: Rewards of Two Lifetimes Upon appearing in a mysterious room, Evan blinked in surprise¡ªit was his first time witnessing such a scene. ¡°Wow, how cool is that!¡± he exclaimed, childlike joy lighting up his face. ¡°It¡¯s just a little trick of mine,¡± replied one of the ten mysterious beings, his tone smug. Evan still couldn''t see any of their faces¡ªonly silhouettes shrouded in soft white light. ¡°Okay, but¡­ where we?¡± Evan asked, scanning the vast expanse of glowing white around them. ¡°Wait, let me finish before you ask more questions,¡± said the being who¡¯d teleported them. He clapped his hands¡ªand in an instant, several floating orbs materialized in the air. Evan¡¯s eyes widened. The orbs hovered like bubbles, shimmering with strange lights. As he stepped closer to inspect one, he noticed an icon flickering inside. Some had elemental symbols. Others displayed weapons. Some showed things Evan couldn¡¯t even begin to comprehend. ¡°Whoa¡­ what are these?¡± he asked, trying to take everything in at once. ¡°These,¡± one of the beings explained, ¡°are the culmination of your efforts from two lifetimes. Your reward¡ªor ¡®cheats,¡¯ if you prefer to call them that.¡± ¡°Huh? My reward from a life?¡± Evan raised an eyebrow. ¡°Aren¡¯t you just giving me stuff now?¡± ¡°No. These are things you , not gifts. You were to them but, for some reason, never used them. We¡¯ve retrieved them for you now.¡± ¡°So... how much can I take? Or do I get to pick?¡± Evan asked eagerly. ¡°You can take as much as you want¡ªbut there¡¯s a catch,¡± one said with a smile. ¡°Your soul is the limit.¡± ¡°My¡­ soul?¡± Evan blinked. ¡°Yes,¡± the being nodded. ¡°Think of your soul as a vessel. These rewards are the fluid. If the fluid exceeds the vessel¡¯s capacity, it overflows¡ªor worse, damages the vessel. In other words, you¡¯ll hurt yourself if you take more than your soul can handle.¡± ¡°Ohhh¡­ so it¡¯s like stuffing a bag to the brim. Might even burst the zip,¡± Evan said, nodding. ¡°Exactly,¡± the being chuckled. ¡°So¡ªdo you understand now?¡± Evan nodded, then suddenly raised a hand. ¡°Wait, before I pick¡ªcan I ask something?¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Can you tell me what I chose in my past lives? It might help me make better choices this time,¡± Evan suggested. The being paused for a moment, then turned to one of the others. ¡°Grim, let him see it.¡± ¡°Sure,¡± replied the one holding a grimoire. His name, for now¡ªGrim. With a gesture from Grim, everything shifted. The orbs reshaped into a clearer display in front of Evan. ¡°Let¡¯s start with your first life,¡± Evan said, arms crossed. ¡°What did I choose back then?¡± Grim nodded, and seventeen glowing items appeared before him. ¡°Your first incarnation didn¡¯t get much from us. Just two talents and one ability,¡± Grim said. ¡°But he was quite lucky,¡± another added. ¡°We gave him the talent of Sword Grandmaster (SS), Heir of the Magic Sword (S), and the ability Damage Amplification.¡± Three shimmering items floated forward. Evan examined them, then set them aside for later. ¡°What about the rest?¡± he asked. ¡°Things he acquired during his journey,¡± Grim explained. ¡°First, the class Elemental Swordsman with SS-rank potential and affinities for Flame, Lightning, and Water. His bloodline enhanced all three.¡± ¡°He also acquired the Black Dragon Bloodline, several powerful battle techniques, a unique mana cultivation art, and the rare ability Beast Communication, which you later inherited. The rest are minor skills and abilities.¡± Evan looked over everything¡­ then shook his head. ¡°No. I¡¯m not taking anything from here,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Why not?¡± Grim asked, surprised. ¡°Because even if the talents are amazing, following the same path that led to failure is pointless.¡± Grim smiled and nodded. With a wave, the items vanished. ¡°Alright then. Next.¡± Grim brought forth a new set of items¡ªbut this time, there were only eight. Evan frowned. ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± ¡°In your second life,¡± One began, ¡°you learned from the mistakes of the first. You avoided the limelight and prioritized survival. ¡°You received three major things: the Beast Tamer class from us¡ªwhich limited your options, as it consumed most of your soul space. You also claimed the SSS-rank Bow Talent, a reward originally meant for your first life. ¡°And lastly,¡± he continued, ¡°you took the Concealment Mask of a God Candidate¡ª¡± ¡°Hold up,¡± Evan interrupted. ¡°What do you mean, ?¡± The air suddenly grew heavy. ¡°I¡¯ll get to that. Let me finish what you asked for first.¡± Evan nodded, though tension lingered in his eyes. ¡°You used the concealment mask to hide your true rank and status. It was too powerful to fall into the hands of that man¡­ but you believed it would help you surpass your past self. ¡°You grew until the Demi-God Warrior Rank, and nearly succeeded. But in the end, you provoked someone out of your league¡­ and died before reaching the Advancement Hall.¡± Evan clenched his fists. Grim continued, ¡°On your journey, you acquired several techniques and skills. Notably: the Void Bending Arrow Technique and Omni-Element Burst. ¡°For supporting skills, you had: All Language, Draconic Regeneration, Thousand Arrow Assault, and a few others.¡± S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evan¡¯s eyes locked onto the items in front of him. He stared. Then smiled. ¡°Well, I going to take something from this one,¡± he said, stepping forward. He reached out¡ªtoward a single item glowing more intensely than the rest. __ What is he going to choose, guys? Drop your guesses in the comments¡ªand be ready for a crazy sh*t upgrade next chapter! Chapter 37: The Depth of the Soul "Well, I can take something from this, huh? Then I shall choose it," Evan muttered, stepping forward and tightly clutching one of the glowing orbs. As he squeezed it, the orb dissolved into his soul, vanishing like mist. This¡ªthis was the most important choice of his second life. A step toward surpassing his former self. He chose the mask. A symbol of secrecy, growth, and hidden power. A path where shadows would be his armor, and surprise his greatest weapon. Letting others remain blind to his status? That alone was worth its weight in divinity. "Well, this is quite good enough for now," Evan said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I suppose I don¡¯t need anything else." He turned to Grim. "You can take the rest away." With a simple nod and a flick of his finger, Grim made everything vanish. Then came a question from One, casual but loaded with meaning. "So Evan, tell me¡­ how full do you feel inside right now?" Evan blinked, confused¡ªuntil he understood. "Ah, I see. You mean the soul¡¯s capacity. Huh¡­ honestly? Feels the same as before I picked the mask. I doubt a simple item like this could fill up much space in my soul." He let out a small chuckle. "Interesting," One mused. "Your soul¡¯s capacity is far greater now than in your past lives. Remember? In your first life, this mask alone filled half your capacity. That¡¯s why you never even glimpsed the true treasure you earned that day. But now¡­" He trailed off meaningfully. "Now you might actually be able to claim it." Evan¡¯s eyes widened. Wasn¡¯t soul capacity supposed to remain fixed? Or had it changed because of the time travel? "Wait¡­ does this mean my soul capacity is randomized each time I return?" "Oh no," came a softer, unfamiliar voice from within the tent¡ªlikely a woman. "A person¡¯s soul strength is based on the soul itself. It¡¯s not something that¡¯s randomized, so don¡¯t worry. Just help yourself and start choosing." One smiled faintly. "Soul speaks the truth. She understands souls better than anyone." Evan gave a short nod. "Alright¡­ but then why does it differ every time I return?" Soul stepped closer, her presence serene. "That¡¯s because of the soul experience devouring¡ªthe process through which souls grow stronger by consuming the experiences of others. Every time you kill an enemy, their soul¡¯s accumulated life experience becomes yours. In your first life, you reached the Entry level of an Immortal warrior. In your second life, you peaked as a Demi-God warrior. Both elevated your soul to higher realms. And with each return, your soul undergoes mutation. This time, perhaps a particularly powerful one." Evan slowly nodded, the realization dawning. "So¡­ this time I can choose more than my past selves, huh?" Soul offered a gentle nod and stepped back into the shadows. "Great," Evan said, clapping his hands. "Let me get started then. But wait¡­ are these really all the items? Just a few dozen?" He glanced around, spotting more orbs floating in the distance. "What about those over there? Are they not mine?" "Oh, they¡¯re yours," One admitted, smiling. "We just thought you wouldn¡¯t be able to handle them. But since things have changed¡­" Grim raised a hand, and the distant artifacts began floating toward Evan. Magnificent. Just at a glance, Evan could tell these items were worlds above the rest. "Seriously? You show me garbage first¡ªexcept for the mask, of course¡ªand then reveal these?" One shrugged. "That¡¯s because these items¡­ aren¡¯t meant for normal users. They are too powerful, even for us. Only a true candidate can wield them. You were an exception. You used one of them to annihilate an enemy once. And the mask? That one was crafted only for you." Evan¡¯s brows furrowed. "What do you mean¡­ true candidate?" One¡¯s tone shifted, now heavier and more solemn. "Evan, what you think of as ''gods''¡ªthey''re nothing but titles. Nominal labels for powerful beings. But those with a Relic¡­ the true candidates? They are sovereigns. Comparing us to them is like comparing a puddle to an ocean. They¡¯re not myths. They exist¡ªand they dominate everything. Even now, they reign beyond reach. Their strength? Enough to obliterate thousands of so-called ''gods'' in mere seconds. Our master¡­ he was once among them. A candidate. Not the strongest, but not the weakest either. He created us, ruled easily¡­ until others came¡ªother candidates¡ªintent on erasing him. And he died. We were helpless to do anything but watch." One paused, then continued. "Every cosmos is governed by a single god. Our master told us that there are countless cosmoses. He saw them¡ªfrom the Real Land. That¡¯s where the true candidates reside. A realm beyond our comprehension." Evan was speechless. "And you," One said, voice rising, "were an exception. You killed one of them." The revelation hit like thunder. "Wait¡­ what? I killed one of those monsters? Then how did I still die?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You weren¡¯t supposed to engage him," One said, voice bitter. "But you did. Over a girl." Evan flinched. "A girl¡­?" "Yes. You were obsessed with her. Even though you already had six in your group, you desired more. The two of you fought for her. When he realized he was losing¡­ he killed her. You lost it. You fought like a demon¡ªand you died with him." Evan clenched his fists. "In your second life, you found her again. You lived happily¡­ for a time. But a Monarch set his sights on her. You fought again¡ªmadly, recklessly. And she died again. You could¡¯ve escaped, but you didn¡¯t. You stayed and died beside her. But not this time. We checked. That girl? She¡¯s been erased. Her existence¡ªwiped from time and space. Only a faint soul wisp remains¡­ and even that might be gone now." Silence settled like dust. "So¡­ can I choose the real stuff now? Or is there more to this story?" Evan asked, eyes sharp. One gave a slow nod. "It¡¯s time. But let me explain what each truly holds¡ªbecause the next choice you make may shape not just this life¡­ ¡­but the fate of every life beyond." Chapter 38: The Limit of Greed "Yes, you can choose, Evan... but listen," One said solemnly, "don¡¯t ever try to find girl. It¡¯ll only bring you trouble. This is our final chance." He stepped aside, revealing the array of treasures for Evan to examine. "Alright then, let¡¯s see the real deal," Evan said, cracking his neck in a show of confidence¡ªthough he didn¡¯t actually know how to do it properly. "Look here, Evan," One said as he pointed toward the items. "You obtained hundreds of things from body... but did you know he didn¡¯t completely die?" Evan blinked, confused. "Huh? What do you mean he didn¡¯t die that day? Oh... you mean he¡¯s back now? Since we traveled to the past, he¡¯ll return again in the future?" "Exactly. But it¡¯s more than that. Even when you killed him, he didn¡¯t truly die. All the candidates have their soul wisps bound to something called the Universal Revival Tower or something similar. It lets them revive... infinitely." Evan''s eyes widened. "...So, wait¡ª That¡¯s way too overpowered!" he protested, anxiety creeping in. "No, no," One said quickly. "Our master told us their revival count depends on their ranking. The more they die, the more they lose¡ªpower, items, reputation. Eventually, they drop in rank and get wiped out." "...Still sounds like fighting immortal cockroaches to me," Evan muttered. "Yeah," Grim chuckled. "But cockroaches with divine armor and nukes." Despite himself, Evan laughed. "Alright, listen up now, Evan. I¡¯m going to explain everything you wanted to know," One said, signaling for his full attention. Evan nodded, eager yet overwhelmed. "Here¡¯s what your loot includes: Talents, Skills, Abilities, Pills, Techniques, Titles, Traits, Classes, Subclasses, Items, and even more weird stuff." He raised a hand and began listing: Talents include: Skills: Abilities: Classes: Subclasses: S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Miscellaneous: Recovery potions, purification elixirs, cultural artifacts, monster eggs¡ªthings even haven¡¯t fully catalogued. Evan stood there, absolutely stunned. "...Wait. That¡¯s that guy had?" "Only about thirty-five to forty percent of it," One replied casually. Evan¡¯s mouth went dry. "...That¡¯s absurd. It¡¯s like a cheat compilation." "Now then," One smiled. "What have you decided to pick?" Evan took a deep breath. "Let¡¯s do this." He walked over and began the selection process. Fifteen minutes later, he was done. "So, you¡¯ve chosen these five talents?" One confirmed. Evan nodded. "Let¡¯s start with the first: . Its rank is unknown¡ªwe suspect Quasi-God or God-tier," One explained. Evan grasped the orb. As before, it vanished into his chest, absorbed. "How do you feel?" One asked. "...Like something massive just crammed itself into me," Evan said. "Way too big for my body, and yet¡ªI¡¯m not even half full." "Good," One said. He gestured to Grim. "Next." Grim brought forth another orb. "Talent two: . A supreme fusion of two quasi-supreme talents." Evan absorbed it. The orb shimmered, then vanished inside him. "Status?" "I¡¯m fine." "Next¡ª, Transcendent rank. This one might sting." And it did. Evan winced, his face twisting as pain flared through his body. But he held on, enduring the storm until it passed. "Limit surfacing?" One asked. Evan shook his head. "No, just... the usual body-breaking pain." "Alright then, next¡ª. Another Supreme." This time, the orb integrated smoothly. But Evan was starting to feel the strain. The feeling of being "full" was halfway there. "Okay... last talent. Be ready. This one might actually your last." A golden orb floated forward, radiating divine light. It was hard to even look at it. "Talent five: . Unknown rank, but anything with a deity¡¯s name is no joke." Evan nodded and reached out. The moment he touched it, the world seemed to change. Pain exploded in his chest, intensifying every second. He bent over, golden light pouring out of his torso. Above him¡ªtwo enormous golden eyes appeared in the void, gazing down upon him. Everyone froze. The divine pressure was unbearable. Even One, ready to intervene, couldn¡¯t move. Just as they were about to collapse, the eyes vanished. The pressure faded. Evan gasped, panting heavily. "Evan! You alright?" Soul rushed to help him. "Y-Yeah. I¡¯m fine now. Just felt like something crushed my soul... and then lifted it," Evan replied weakly. "Can you still feel the talents you absorbed?" One asked. Evan closed his eyes and focused. "...Yes. I can feel all five." One exhaled in relief. "I believe that was the real Goddess of Luck checking whether you were worthy. Since you still have the talent, you must¡¯ve passed." "Hah... great," Evan muttered. "She really stomped on me like a million-ton elephant, though." "Can you still take more?" One asked carefully. "...Maybe two. Three tops." "Alright, let¡¯s move on to some supplementary items," One said, turning to select six other tools that might help Evan ascend faster¡ªthough they wouldn¡¯t integrate quite as easily. What awaits Evan now? Has he reached his true limit, or will he risk pushing further? Stay tuned for the next chapter! Chapter 39: The Vanishing Treasures and the Sleeping Relic The six glowing orbs hovered before Evan, shimmering with suppressed power. His gaze lingered on them with anticipation, curiosity burning in his eyes. "What are these things?" Evan asked. One stepped forward like a scholar ready to explain ancient secrets. His tone was calm, but the weight behind his words was undeniable. "The first two are an armor and a weapon. The third contains a title¡ªit won¡¯t take much space in your soul. The fourth is a pass¡ªyour entry into the competition between candidates. The fifth¡­ a serpent bloodline¡ªhighly destructive, rare, and elemental. And the sixth¡­" He paused slightly. "The power of manipulation." Evan¡¯s eyes narrowed as he walked toward the first orb¡ªthe armor. "Is this a growth-type armor that evolves with its owner?" Evan asked, his fingers brushing the orb. One shook his head. "Not exactly. It doesn¡¯t have the glow of a growth-type. But it''s definitely valuable. After you defeated its previous owner, he went mad. Tried everything to recover his belongings. Destroyed cities. Even your corpse was torn apart, yet he still raged. That¡¯s how important this armor was to him." That got Evan¡¯s attention. Why would someone with immense power obsess over something that wasn¡¯t even a growth-type? He grasped the orb, and it dissolved into his hands, sinking into his soul. He waited, expecting a surge of strength or change. Nothing happened. "Did something happen?" One asked. "I¡­ don''t feel any increase in soul weight. And the armor¡ªit''s gone. I can¡¯t even sense it inside me." Evan¡¯s eyes widened. "Where the heck did that armor go?!" One frowned. "It had a soul bond with its original owner. It might have returned to him." But hesitation wouldn¡¯t get him anywhere. He moved to the second orb. This one pulsed oddly¡ªshifting from sword to spear to bow and back again. "Is this a multi-form weapon?" Evan absorbed the second orb. And immediately regretted it. His entire body collapsed to the floor. Convulsions seized him. It felt like his very soul was being twisted, stretched, shredded, and reforged. "What¡¯s happening?!" One shouted. Soul placed her hand on the ground, eyes glowing faintly. "His soul is¡­ expanding. It¡¯s already doubled in size. He¡¯s not in danger¡ªat least, I don¡¯t think so. Something is evolving." They watched, anxious, as Evan writhed like a broken puppet. Then¡­ silence. He lay still for a few seconds before groaning and sitting up. "I¡¯m okay¡­ I think." He scanned his soul. No new weapon. No new armor. "What just happened to me?" Soul spoke slowly, as if choosing her words carefully. "Your soul¡­ mutated. It¡¯s at least 1.5 times stronger than before. But¡­ the items are gone." Evan blinked, still trying to process. "Evan, I think I get it now," One said. "Maybe your soul devoured the items. They didn¡¯t vanish or return¡ªthey were consumed to evolve your soul to the next level." Evan frowned, then shrugged with mock understanding. "Ah, right. So, those two were sacrificed to boost my soul strength¡­ makes sense." "Which is good," One added, glancing upward, "because now you might qualify to choose thing." Evan followed his gaze but didn¡¯t comment. "Let me finish these first." He turned to the third orb¡ªfaint, transparent, like fogged glass. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "A title? Can someone even drop a title?" "You earned it," One said. "You defeated a tier 3 while being tier 2. The Expanse acknowledged that." Evan absorbed it. No visible changes, no sudden shockwaves. But something nestled within him¡ªa weightless presence that felt like authority. "Alright. Next one." Grim brought out the fourth orb. It was sealed tight, inscribed with strange runes, thicker than anything he¡¯d seen before. "The hell is that? A crazy soul trying to possess me?" Evan joked. "No," One replied. "This is your ticket to the competition. The authority other candidates have¡ªyou''ll now have a fragment of it." "Authority?" "Yes. A piece of the . The mother of all systems. Every system we use is derived from it. This one can push your power to its limits. We can¡¯t wield it¡ªbut you might." The final seal broke. "Absorb it fast. If it escapes, we can¡¯t catch it again." Evan didn¡¯t hesitate. He caught the orb¡ªand something inside it . It fought to flee, but Evan held firm, forcing it into submission. The wild presence finally settled. Then¡ª [SYSTEM LOG ¡ª BEGIN] Evan blinked, stunned. "Evan, you okay? You blacked out for a bit," One asked, concerned. Evan forced a smile. "Yeah. The system just connected with me. That¡¯s all." One nodded, trusting him. After all, who would lie to those who had given him everything? But Evan¡¯s heart pounded. What comes next? Will Evan keep the relic¡¯s origin a secret? Or will the truth come crashing down before he''s ready? Chapter 40: Forbidden Seed of Power As One sorted through the treasure trove of items to offer Evan, he remained blissfully unaware that, within mere minutes, the seed of betrayal had already been sown. The catalyst? A mysterious message tied to a relic that had subtly guided Evan toward an unknown fate. "So, what''s next, man? Also¡­ is everything okay outside? Feels like we¡¯ve been in here for hours," Evan asked, stretching his arms. Unseen by him, Grim smirked. "Ah, don''t worry," Grim replied casually. "Our associate here¡ªTick, the time expert¡ªhas put this space under a time freeze. Only a few minutes have passed outside, even if it¡¯s felt like hours in here." Evan turned and saw Tick give a cheeky two-finger salute in confirmation. "Alright then... what¡¯s the next item, One?" Evan asked, turning his focus to the curator of his upgrades. "Ah, yes. The fifth item might catch your interest," One said, tapping a floating orb. "It''s a degraded dragon bloodline... but not just any dragon. This one comes from a species that once ruled the void. Chaos infused their blood. Behold¡ªthe Serpent of the Chaos Void." Gasps and applause erupted from the other nine figures, as though One had just revealed a god-tier relic. "...A serpent bloodline?" Evan raised an eyebrow. "You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. Why not just give me a black dragon bloodline? It¡¯s a million times better than that." "Tsk. Don''t be short-sighted," One replied. "This isn''t just about prestige. This bloodline holds two high-tier elements¡ª[Void] and [Chaos]. Your precious black dragon only offers [Darkness], which pales in comparison." Evan clicked his tongue but relented. "Fine, I¡¯ll take it. But tell me¡ªwhere did this come from?" "Your second encounter," One explained. "When you tamed that beast in the second expanse. Somehow, its essence fused with this bloodline. It may end up helping you even more than... her." Evan didn¡¯t press further. He approached the artifact and began the absorption. A few minutes later, he staggered back slightly. The artifact had consumed a significant portion of his soul space. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How do you feel?" Soul asked, narrowing her eyes. Her domain was the soul, and she noticed a frightening increase in his soul¡¯s capacity. "I''m not full yet," Evan replied with a calm grin. "I can take in more." "...Let¡¯s get you more things then," Soul corrected herself quickly after nearly calling him a ''resource''. "Alright, before we move on to the final tier items, let''s touch up your arsenal a bit," One said, motioning to another artifact. "This one¡¯s a bit unique. It''s a mutated ability formed by combining four elements¡ªFire, Earth, Lightning, and Ice. It¡¯s called Elemental Manipulation. Not flashy, but it grants control over all four." Evan¡¯s eyes gleamed. Exactly what I wanted. Without hesitation, he began the absorption. The process took thirty minutes¡ªand when it was over, power buzzed under his skin. Four elements now danced to his will. "Now that that¡¯s done... got anything else interesting?" Evan asked, eyes drifting toward a floating orb surrounded by class orbs. "You thinking of taking a class?" One asked. "Yeah. I choose you," Evan said dramatically, grabbing the class orb. An hour passed. He successfully absorbed the class¡ªbut before anyone could stop him, he grabbed four more orbs and absorbed them in quick succession. "Evan, STOP!" someone yelled¡ªbut it was too late. Evan collapsed. A few hours later... When he woke up, all ten were gathered around him with expressions ranging from anger to horror. "What... what''s up, guys?" Evan blinked innocently. "Did I do something?" "You absorbed FIVE classes!" Soul shrieked. "You could''ve DIED. No one absorbs that many at once!" "But I¡¯m fine," Evan said, brushing himself off. "They didn¡¯t even take up that much space in my soul." The others exchanged bewildered glances. "You¡¯re saying... you¡¯re not maxed out?" One asked. "Nope. I can handle it. Wanna know what I got?" He held up a hand. "Mage. Blacksmith. Alchemist. Rune Enchanter. And... well, I meant to pick Poisonmancer, but I accidentally grabbed Weapon Master." "...Seriously?" someone muttered. Evan scratched his head. "It feels... weak. Mage and Weapon Master seem like low-tier classes. Bare-bones knowledge." "Then that''s your fault for rushing," One said flatly. Evan sighed. "Still, Weapon Master might come in handy. I¡¯ll probably be able to use a wide range of weapons, yeah?" Nobody responded. They simply floated away in disappointment. "Hey, wait! Where are you all going?" Evan called out, chasing after them. As he ran, something caught his eye¡ªan orb floating alone, far from the rest. "What¡¯s that?" he asked. Grim followed his gaze. His eyes widened. "Don''t touch that, Evan," he warned. "It can¡¯t be stored in your soul right now." "Just let me look!" Evan pleaded. "I won¡¯t absorb it, promise." "...Fine. Just look." The orb descended. It was pitch-black, filled with swirling darkness. Evan held it. Something inside him whispered. It begged him to claim it. "Evan. Stop," Grim said sternly. But Evan had already absorbed it. He dropped instantly, screaming in agony. "WHAT DID HE DO?!" one of them shouted as everyone rushed over. His body writhed, black tar-like substance oozing from every pore. "Where were you when he did this?!" One barked at Grim. "I... I tried to stop him!" "You told us not even to touch that orb," Soul said. "What even was it?" "...It wasn¡¯t just any item," One said grimly. "It belonged to a Tier 3 powerhouse Evan killed during his second life. Even that man couldn¡¯t absorb it." "...Then how¡ª?" "It¡¯s not a talent. It¡¯s something greater," One whispered. "A singular miracle in an entire species." "The Physique... of a Monarch." They all went silent. "I had planned for him to try it before he chose his classes. Now... we can only hope he survives." They all stared in silence as Evan convulsed violently, his body undergoing a transformation that would either destroy him¡ªor make him something the world had never seen. Hi everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. If you¡¯re enjoying the journey, support me. Chapter 41: The Monarch’s Physique In the same chamber where Evan¡¯s selection was taking place, he could be seen writhing in agony. No one dared approach¡ªnot out of fear, but out of understanding. There was nothing anyone could do now. He would either emerge victorious, crippled, or not at all. "How long do you think he''ll take to assimilate it?" someone asked Soul, who stood watching him in silence. ¡°I can¡¯t say,¡± Soul replied softly. ¡°Even the greatest soul experts can¡¯t fully discern what lies within. There was only one man who managed to unravel the complete theory of the soul... but he vanished, swallowed by the tempest of time. A being who challenged the gods themselves, capable of annihilating the souls of so-called immortals.¡± She paused, her voice reverent. ¡°I want to be like him one day.¡± Time passed. Minutes turned to hours. Anxiety settled over the onlookers like a suffocating fog. Then¡ªfinally¡ªa single twitch. Evan¡¯s eyelash fluttered. The crowd stirred. These weren¡¯t ordinary people; each one bore a god-like presence. They instantly noticed the subtle sign. As Evan''s eyes cracked open, they were already surrounding him. ¡°Hi... guys?¡± he croaked, confused. ¡°Why are you all staring like that? Did something happen?¡± He checked himself for damage, recalling the dark orb he had absorbed. His memories flashed¡ªbeing trapped in an endless void, devoured from within by thousands of invisible insects. ¡°Oh, something did happen,¡± one of them said, his voice rising with each word. ¡°Something monumental. Something that could¡¯ve killed you.¡± ¡°Huh? But I just absorbed a regular orb, right?¡± Evan said innocently, pretending not to remember the torment he''d endured. ¡°Don¡¯t play dumb,¡± Grim scolded. ¡°You know us too well¡ªwe can see through you.¡± ¡°But seriously,¡± Evan said. ¡°If it was that important, why didn¡¯t you just give it to me earlier?¡± One of the observers stepped forward. ¡°I would have. But after you absorbed the class orb, I figured you were already at your limit. I didn¡¯t expect you to survive this one.¡± ¡°Okay... but what exactly was it?¡± Evan asked, still assuming it was a rare skill or hidden ability. ¡°No,¡± the figure said solemnly. ¡°It¡¯s not a class, talent, or bloodline. It¡¯s something far more rare... a Physique.¡± Evan blinked. ¡°Physique? Like, one of those body upgrades?¡± ¡°Not just any physique,¡± the man continued. ¡°A Monarch¡¯s Physique. A treasure so rare that even dreaming about it is a luxury. Not even one in a trillion is born with it. It''s the kind of thing entire civilizations would wage war over.¡± Evan¡¯s expression shifted. Confusion. Awe. Horror. Shock. He hadn¡¯t even realized that during all that pain, his soul had been evolving¡ªlike upgrading from street food to the refined elegance of a five-star banquet. ¡°A... Monarch¡¯s Physique? But how?¡± he muttered. ¡°Isn¡¯t a Monarch supposed to be in a realm of their own? When did I manage to kill someone that strong?¡± ¡°You did, Evan,¡± One said. ¡°During your second life. In the siege of an expanse. You killed a Monarch¡ªone above your tier. That¡¯s why we gave you that title.¡± Evan froze. ¡°Which one was it? Flame Monarch? Ice? Beast? Don¡¯t tell me it was the Dragon Monarch¡ª¡± ¡°No,¡± the man interrupted. ¡°Someone you wouldn¡¯t even think of. The Death Monarch.¡± Evan¡¯s pupils contracted. ¡°He was chasing that girl¡ªthe one who haunts your memories. You killed him eight times in the Second Tier. But it was during his invasion of the second realm, when he had ascended to Tier Three, that he finally died. His revival was on cooldown, and he underestimated you. That battle ended him.¡± Evan let out a slow breath. ¡°But doesn¡¯t that make him... weak? I thought Monarchs could raze empires.¡± ¡°Maybe,¡± Grim said with a shrug. ¡°But a Monarch is still a Monarch. It¡¯s destiny. Let¡¯s hope it serves you well.¡± Before they could send him away, Evan suddenly stood up. ¡°Wait. I want to try something.¡± ¡°What now?¡± Soul asked, alarmed. ¡°Evan, your soul is already on the verge of collapse. Greed can kill you here.¡± But Evan ignored her, brushing past floating orbs until one caught his eye¡ªa single glowing particle. He plucked it gently. ¡°This feels like... the final piece,¡± he said, staring at it. Inside the orb floated a pale blue egg. ¡°What is this?¡± Evan asked curiously. ¡°Oh, that?¡± One said dismissively. ¡°Just a companion egg. Trash, really. It gives you a bonded creature¡ªnothing more. A pet that grows with you.¡± ¡°But what¡¯s the harm in trying?¡± Evan said. Before anyone could stop him, he absorbed it. And then¡ªnothing. The chamber fell into a stunned silence. ¡°What the¡ªwhy isn¡¯t anything happening?¡± One muttered. ¡°Let me check,¡± Evan said. He closed his eyes. A moment later, he smiled. ¡°It¡¯s there. Bonded successfully. Maybe it doesn¡¯t need space like the others.¡± ¡°Alright, fine,¡± Grim said, exasperated. ¡°But now¡ªno more. You''re done.¡± Grim snapped his fingers, and the orbs vanished. ¡°One last thing,¡± Grim said, raising his hand. A beam of light shot into Evan¡¯s forehead. ¡°The location of the artifact¡ªyou¡¯ll find it here.¡± Evan¡¯s eyes flickered. A mental image appeared¡ªa closed-down factory on the path to Rey¡¯s house. A place he¡¯d passed many times. ¡°Got it,¡± Evan said, smiling faintly. He was whole again. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Or so he thought. Chapter 42: The Final Meeting Before Departure 11th April 2024 "Yes, but can''t you at least tell me what kind of enemies I¡¯ll be facing? Are they cultists, secret organizations... or something else?" Evan¡¯s voice broke the stillness, calm yet laced with a gnawing curiosity. He was ready to depart¡ªbut some questions simply refused to let go. "You misunderstand," One replied. "They are like you. Each realm has sent its challenger¡ªwhat you call a chosen one¡ªto vie for control of the Nexus. In this grand race, whoever gains its authority... rules everything." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So it''s like a story, huh? Protagonist versus antagonist," Evan mused aloud. One gave a rare nod, seemingly satisfied with the analogy. "Listen carefully," One said, a serious tone slipping in. "Don¡¯t die. If a powerful enemy appears, don¡¯t be ashamed to run. Survival matters more than pride. A coward who lives is better than a brave fool who dies." Evan nodded in understanding, but just as One was preparing the ritual, Evan raised a hand. "One last question." "Tch. Make it quick," One replied, visibly irritated. "And make sure it¡¯s the last." "I''m going to be transmigrated, right? What kind of family am I landing in? Rich? Middle-class? Poor? I¡¯ve seen too many stories where the MC wakes up in some cringy setup¡ªlike living alone with a sister. I''d rather be a lone wolf. No ties. No weaknesses." "Then... tell us your preference, and I¡¯ll search for it," One said after a moment, seeing the logic in the request. "Let me transmigrate into an orphan. No friends, no attachments. A solitary life." "A wealthy heir would give you more advantages," One offered. Evan shook his head. "Too obvious. The more people around me, the more leverage my enemies will have. In my previous lives, the people I loved always became liabilities. This time... I refuse to go through that again." One hesitated but ultimately nodded. Evan¡¯s resolve was not something to argue with. "And one more thing. Don¡¯t make me too handsome," Evan added. "Make me... plain. Unremarkable. No hero or villain should see me and think I''m their equal." With those words, his figure began to glow as the teleportation activated. A final ripple of light, and Evan vanished¡ªalong with the entire divine plane. The ten thrones dissolved, returning to their true forms across the cosmos. Even their souls were exhausted from the journey. But Evan didn''t return to the infirmary¡ªnot yet. He found himself elsewhere, deep within his mind. There, he saw them¡ªtwo men he¡¯d glimpsed before. Now, they were whole. Standing proud. "The third encounter begins," said the first man¡ªthe Swordsman. "Yes," added the second¡ªthe Tamer. "His essence mirrors ours from the past. He carries our will." Evan stepped forward. "Who are you really? And why didn¡¯t you appear earlier?" "We can¡¯t," the Swordsman replied. "We are nothing more than remnants¡ªwisps from the past. But we came to see you, the third and final soul." "So... I¡¯m your future, and you''re my past?" Evan asked. The thought twisted his mind. "Forget that," the Tamer said. "Evan, remember her. She was everything. We sacrificed everything to be with her¡ªbut destiny pulled us apart. Maybe now... you can change that." Evan frowned. "Everyone keeps warning me about her. They say she led to our downfall." Anger flared in both men. "They lied," the Swordsman growled. "She gave her life for us. While others fled, she stayed. We loved her... and she died protecting us." The Tamer nodded, pain shadowing his eyes. "In my second life, I met her again. We shared so much... but when death came, I ran to save her. She begged me to leave, threatened to take her own life if I stayed. I obeyed. I survived. But by the time I tried to save her... it was too late." He looked away. "I destroyed half the enemy army in rage. But I still died. Nexus rules don¡¯t show mercy. That¡¯s why we were sent back¡ªto you, the third soul." "She¡¯s not dead, Evan," the Swordsman said firmly. "You¡¯ll meet her again. Destiny owes us that much." "Find her. No matter the cost," they said in unison as their forms began to dissolve, merging into him. "You are the culmination of us all. The final creation." "Don¡¯t mourn us... just win." Their essence fully merged into him. And then¡ª Evan¡¯s eyes snapped open. The sterile lights of the infirmary greeted him. James sat nearby, watching over him. Rey was nowhere to be seen. He was awake. He was fine. But this Evan... was not the same as before. This was a new beginning. The calm before the storm. Author''s Note: Hey readers, I see y¡¯all reading and ghosting like you don¡¯t got keyboards ????. Drop a comment, would ya? I know that you''re liking the novel. Chapter 43: Fragments of Normal [11th April 2024] Evan blinked a few times, his vision adjusting to the clean white ceiling above. He turned his head and noticed James sitting beside him, fully absorbed in his phone. ¡°Hey dude, where the hell am I?¡± Evan asked groggily. James looked up, surprised. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake? Damn, didn¡¯t expect you to get up so soon. Well, maybe it¡¯s a good thing¡ªyou¡¯ve only missed one period. We can still make it to class.¡± Evan squinted at him suspiciously. ¡°Wait, am I dreaming? Since when did you become a model student who worries about missing class?¡± James let out a small laugh. ¡°No, you idiot. Listen¡ªteacher came by earlier. Said if you woke up, we should head to the classroom. If we get caught skipping, the punishment¡¯s way worse than you''d think.¡± A shiver crept into his voice. Evan sighed and sat up. ¡°Alright, fine. Where¡¯s Rey? I didn¡¯t see him around.¡± ¡°He said it was urgent and ran off to the toilet. He¡¯s probably still there.¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go catch him.¡± Evan got up and thanked the nurse before the two of them exited the infirmary and made their way to the nearest restroom. James stayed outside while Evan stepped in to check. From inside one of the stalls, faint murmurs drifted out¡ªRey wasn¡¯t on a call, yet he was clearly talking to someone. Those who knew the second book would recognize who that someone was. ¡°Hey, Rey, you in there?¡± Evan called, knocking gently on the stall. There was a moment of panic behind the door before Rey responded. ¡°Yeah! I¡¯m here, Evan. You¡¯re awake? Are you feeling alright?¡± ¡°Yeah, woke up a few minutes ago. James and I came to get you.¡± ¡°Okay, just wait a bit longer. I¡¯ll be right out,¡± Rey replied quickly. ¡°No rush, but make it fast¡ªwe¡¯ve got to attend classes, you know.¡± With that, Evan stepped outside again, leaving Rey alone. A few minutes later, the door swung open and Rey stepped out, adjusting his collar like nothing had happened. ¡°You alright, bro? Something got stuck in there or what?¡± James teased with a grin. Rey ignored him completely. ¡°Let¡¯s hurry before we¡¯re late.¡± The three of them made their way back to their classrooms, blending in with the rest of the student body as the day resumed. Hours passed. Teachers taught. Students scribbled. Time crawled. At exactly 2 p.m., the final bell rang and school came to an end. Chairs scraped back. Bags zipped. Some students bolted out like they¡¯d been freed from prison. Evan remained at his desk, slowly packing his bag, deep in thought. ¡°Hey, Evan! You up for the arcade today?¡± James asked, walking over. No response. ¡°Bro?¡± He waved a hand in front of Evan¡¯s face. Evan blinked. ¡°Oh, sorry. What were you saying?¡± James raised an eyebrow. ¡°Where''s your mind at, bro? I¡¯ve been calling you for like, forever.¡± ¡°Ah, just lost in thought. No biggie.¡± Evan slung his bag over his shoulder and walked towards the door. ¡°Wait for me!¡± James called out, running to catch up. Together, they headed to Section B, where Rey was already waiting for them near the lockers. Once gathered, the trio walked out of the school gates and down the path to the main road. ¡°Hey, we¡¯re going to the arcade, right?¡± James asked cheerfully. But both of his friends seemed distant. Evan glanced at him and sighed. ¡°Sorry, James. I have to go somewhere with my aunt today. I might not even make it to school tomorrow.¡± He kept the real reason¡ªtime travel stuff¡ªto himself. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°I¡¯ve got errands at the store. Gotta head out early,¡± Rey added, avoiding eye contact. James looked between them, visibly disappointed. ¡°Alright, alright. Guess it¡¯s goodbye for now, then.¡± They nodded and parted ways. Evan turned a corner, muttering to himself. ¡°I¡¯ll check that site tonight. Maybe it can help with... everything.¡± The website wasn¡¯t public knowledge. It was hidden¡ªknown only to a select few. And he planned to dig deep into it. ¡®I have a lot to do,¡¯ he thought. No more delays. He picked up his pace. Meanwhile, Rey walked home alone, his expression dark. His lips moved, but no phone was in his hand¡ªno one was nearby. ¡°Do we really have to do this now?¡± he whispered. A pause. ¡°It¡¯s going to be a tough day, huh... no avoiding it,¡± he muttered and broke into a jog. Across town, James walked the streets slowly, head down. He paused near a crossing when a sleek luxury car pulled up beside him. The window slid down with a soft whirr. A regal woman leaned out. ¡°Oh, son, what are you doing here? I was waiting at the school gate. And why aren¡¯t you using the car I got you for your birthday?¡± ¡°Hi, Mom,¡± James said with a sigh. ¡°You know I like living a normal life.¡± A man in a crisp suit, seated beside her, scoffed. ¡°Come on, kid. Why keep pretending? This ¡®normal life¡¯ of yours is a joke. Let go of this fantasy. You still hanging out with those low-grade friends?¡± James clenched his fists. ¡°They¡¯re my friends. I¡¯m not abandoning them¡ªso stop it already.¡± His father leaned closer. ¡°Jess, you don¡¯t get it. Make friends who match your status. Don¡¯t let leeches cling to you.¡± ¡°Dadddd!¡± James yelled, realizing passersby had started staring. ¡°Son, just get in the car. We¡¯re going home. No more arguing,¡± his mother said quickly, opening the door to diffuse the situation. ¡°Fine. I¡¯m coming,¡± James muttered, slipping inside and sinking into the leather seat. As the car pulled away, an awkward silence settled in... then the argument resumed¡ªlow at first, but rising like a storm. His mother sat in the middle, torn and tired, unable to take either side. Soon, several black vehicles joined them from the rear and flanks¡ªsecurity escorts. The convoy arrived at their destination: a mansion. No¡ªa fortress. Massive and elegant, the estate looked more like the palace of a king than a home. Just the lawn alone could host ten large homes. And in the center of it all, stood the grand, castle-like mansion where James lived. A place of wealth, power... and loneliness. Yet despite the grandeur, James walked through life like an average teenager¡ªfar removed from the empire he came from. Why? Well, that¡¯s a story for another time. Chapter 44: A Knife for the Future [11th April 2024] Evan had just arrived home. The comforting aroma of food greeted him as he stepped inside¡ªthe result of his aunt¡¯s culinary skills, already busy preparing lunch for him and Jason. He entered his apartment, tossed his bag onto the desk, then went through the usual routine¡ªchanging clothes, freshening up, and mentally preparing for the next phase of his day. Skipping lunch wasn¡¯t an option. His aunt had a sixth sense for such things, and missing a meal would earn him a full-blown lecture. Once he was ready, he headed downstairs to their shared apartment. After a satisfying meal with his aunt and uncle, Evan excused himself, citing the need to prepare for an upcoming test. No one questioned it. Back in his room, he shut the door firmly behind him. The lock slid into place, ensuring no one would interrupt what came next. ¡°To retrieve that item, I have to go to the factory¡­ which means facing Jacob¡¯s men. With my current strength, that¡¯s suicide. But if I wait until I¡¯m stronger, the opportunity will vanish.¡± Evan leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping against the desk. The memories from his past life whispered in fragments. ¡°Back then, I was kidnapped. That¡¯s how I ended up in that place¡­ and that''s where I found the artifact.¡± He frowned. ¡°But¡­ why can¡¯t I remember anything Blue Star? Did something happen to my soul? Or... was something erased?¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. That gap in memory left a bitter taste in his mouth, but there was no time to dwell on it. ¡°I¡¯ll recreate the past. Let them kidnap me again¡­ but this time, I¡¯ll be ready. I just need the right tool.¡± His eyes narrowed. He remembered a website. A hidden one. A digital ghost that only a few could access. In his first life¡ªright before the apocalypse¡ªgovernments began subtly preparing the public, and people with sharp eyes found places to buy emergency tools. That¡¯s how he learned of it. He booted up his desktop and began searching. Several minutes passed. Then¡ªclick. A plain-looking website blinked to life. Just like he remembered. He created an account and began his search. Hidden daggers. Bladed watches. Concealed knives within belts. So many options, but none of them right. He didn¡¯t need something fancy. Just something small and lethal. A rope-cutter. A lifesaver. Finally, he found it. A sleek, razor-sharp dagger¡ªthin, precise, and deadly. It could be hidden inside a wristband and easily concealed under a shirt. The price? 915 points. He checked his bank balance. 948 points. ¡°Perfect,¡± he muttered. But the low price bothered him. Why was such a high-quality item being sold so cheaply? He scanned the reviews and quickly realized the catch: it was a weapon. Once unsheathed from its hidden slot, it couldn''t be reset without breaking the mechanism. Miss the strike, and it was useless. The seller didn¡¯t care. He had tons of them and was dumping them at dirt-cheap prices. Still, for Evan¡¯s plan, it was perfect. He tossed it into the cart and proceeded to checkout. That¡¯s when he saw the delivery fee. +100 points. ¡°¡­Crap.¡± He considered borrowing from Rossy, thinking he¡¯d return it the next day. Just as he opened his messaging app, a notification popped up. ¡°Price Drop Alert: Local customer placed a bulk order. Shared delivery point enabled. New delivery charge: 0 points.¡± He blinked, stunned. ¡°What kind of saint placed an order at the perfect time!?¡± Without hesitation, Evan confirmed the order, picked the nearby shared pickup location, and completed the purchase. Then, without thinking, he raised his hands in silent prayer. ¡°God, please bless that kind stranger. May all his endeavors succeed.¡± Meanwhile¡­ Rey sat at his desk, clicking away on his keyboard, focused on another hidden layer of the net. He sneezed suddenly and chuckled. ¡°Huh. Someone must be thinking of me.¡± Then he dove right back into his task. Back in Evan¡¯s apartment, he smiled softly, staring at the screen. ¡°The last thing¡¯s done. Now, I just need rest.¡± He shut down the desktop and collapsed into bed. Sleep took him instantly. Not just because of physical exhaustion¡ªbut the kind that weighed down his soul. Hours passed. At 7:15 PM, Evan was jolted awake by the sharp ringing of his phone. He rubbed his eyes and saw multiple missed calls¡ªJason, Rossy, a few friends. Panic set in as he glanced at the time. ¡°Crap. I overslept.¡± He rushed downstairs and entered the family apartment. The kitchen lights were on, and Rossy was busy prepping dinner. ¡°Hi, Aunt. Sorry, I dozed off...¡± ¡°Oh, I figured. Do you think I don¡¯t have the spare keys? When you didn¡¯t answer my calls, I thought something had happened! I went up and found you sleeping like a rock.¡± Evan¡¯s face turned sheepish. ¡°(:o) Uh¡­ sorry?¡± Rossy raised an eyebrow. ¡°So, what made you so tired?¡± He hesitated. ¡°Ah... just a minor accident in¡ª¡± He froze. Wrong move. Too late. Rossy¡¯s expression shifted from concern to alarm, and within minutes, she had: Called Jason. Demanded a hospital check-up. Blasted Rick with a lecture that could rival a thunderstorm. By the time things settled, dinner was served, and Rossy was still fussing over him like a mother hen. She handed him some pain medication and insisted he call her the moment anything felt off. He promised, half-guilty, half-grateful. She even wanted him to sleep over, but he gently declined. If he stayed, she wouldn¡¯t sleep a wink worrying about him. Back in his room, Evan packed his bag for school and took the pills. The moment his head hit the pillow, sleep came again, deeper this time. The next day rolled in like any other. His mind was clearer, but his thoughts remained sharp. The delivery was scheduled for tomorrow. And Evan knew¡ªhe needed to be prepared to receive it discreetly. The day ended on a quiet note, his mind spinning with silent plans. Two people, two paths, and one unseen thread connecting them. But while their direction was the same¡ª Their goals were vastly different. Chapter 45: The Secret Delivery 13th April 2024 Finally, the day had come. Evan stood in his room, stuffing the last few items into his bag. The plan had been set in motion, and now, all that remained was to carry it through without getting caught. To prepare for that possibility, he''d taken care to conceal the package securely¡ªjust in case someone decided to check. He had concocted a few lies, claiming he was suffering from a stomachache to Peter and that he was going to meet an old friend from the orphanage who had turned eighteen and had come to see him. Rossy had suggested letting him come here, but Evan lied again, saying he was heading to another city and would just pass by here, meeting him at the train station for a few minutes. She believed him, as she couldn''t imagine Evan lying to her like that. He felt relieved that he had managed to get away with it, and mentioning it to Jason was just a formality, as he didn''t dwell on such matters; just inform him, and you''re set. Now, he was ready for the mission. He walked out of his house to reach the place where he would meet his friend, the delivery guy. He descended with his backpack, which he intended to use for carrying items, and a mask in his pocket to conceal his identity, not wanting to be recognized by acquaintances. As he made his way downstairs, he saw Rossy sweeping the area, and she noticed him approaching. "Oh Evan, you''re up early, that''s good. Now come and have the breakfast I''ve prepared for you." "Aunt, I can''t, I''m already late. My friend''s train arrives at ten in the morning, and it departs fifteen minutes later, so I need to rush." "There''s still an hour and a half left. Come inside, or else, young man, you won''t be leaving this house," she declared, her gaze intensifying. "But aunt..." "No ''buts.'' Come in and eat your breakfast. If you object again, be ready to stay home today." "Alright, I''m coming." "That''s my boy," she said, her smile beaming as if her earlier sternness had vanished. He and Rossy entered and found Jason seated, engrossed in his newspaper, with food already laid out on the table. "Oh, where have you two been? The food has been out for quite some time." "Oh, I''m sorry, dear. I was supposed to call Evan, but I got caught up talking to our neighbor, and then I started sweeping. By the time he came downstairs to meet his friend, I remembered. Can you imagine if people heard that Rosalia let her son leave without breakfast? What would they think?" "Oh, come on, aunt. No one will know or care even if they do hear about it. You''re making a mountain out of a molehill, you know." "Please, don''t lecture me. Let''s eat... oh wait, don''t eat that. I''ll make something fresh, and then we can eat." "That''s not happening, aunt. I''ll be late if you do that. I''m eating now." He began to eat the food, which was cold but still edible. He finished quickly and stood up to leave. "Son, when will you be coming home?" Rossy called after him. "I''ll be back in a few hours," he replied loudly and left. "Oh geez, what''s so great about this friend of his that he had to meet him so urgently?" "Oh dear, you know childhood friends are a kind of attachment we can''t just tear apart. And aren''t we all a bit like that at our age?" Jason mused as he drifted into his memories. Meanwhile, Rossy sighed and cleared away Evan''s eaten plates. __ Outside on the street, Evan was seen running and only stopped when he felt a good distance from home. He checked his phone and saw that the delivery person''s location and the time had already been sent quickly. Noticing that the location was quite near, and the arrival time was around nine-thirty in the morning, he was relieved that he wouldn''t have to wait long. It was already nine, and not wanting to wait any longer, he decided to head there. With caution, he reached the area where the delivery person was supposed to show up. Standing there, wearing his mask and a cap, he looked around to ensure he wasn''t being watched by anyone. "Where is he? I''ve been waiting for much longer now," Evan muttered, scanning the area in hopes of spotting the delivery guy. The second person he was expecting hadn''t shown up either. As the delivery time neared with only three minutes remaining, a man with a large suitcase approached. His appearance was gloomy; his face obscured by untidy hair. The street was deserted, and seeing no one else around, Evan quickly walked towards the man. Noticing Evan, a look of relief flashed in the man''s eyes. "Oh, hi sir, are you here for your delivery? The big order?" he inquired as Evan drew near. "Ah, no, I''m just here to pick up a small item," Evan replied awkwardly, eager to clear up the misunderstanding. "Ah, okay, take your belongings and leave. I don''t like having people around me much," the delivery guy said, his demeanor completely changed as if he were a different person. "Okay, if you say so," Evan replied, taking his small package and leaving the area. He lingered for a moment, hoping to meet the other person, but when they didn''t show, he decided to leave. A few minutes after Evan left, from a different street, a man fully concealing his face and skin approached. "Oh sir, you''ve arrived. I''ve been waiting for you for quite some time," the delivery guy greeted him enthusiastically. "Yes, hand over my items, and I''ll be on my way. And if you even think of telling anyone about me, your family will be reading about your demise in tomorrow''s newspaper," the man threatened in a deep voice, reminiscent of a badass character from a comic book. "Oh sir, no need to worry, I won''t say a word. But I do have a proposal for you. I can tell you''re planning something big with these items. If you need assistance, I could be of help, and in return, you could give me a share of the reward," the delivery guy offered, referring to the items the man had ordered, which included a blade, a suit for concealing the body, protective armor, and more. "Listen, kid, don''t meddle in other people''s affairs, and as for work, perhaps I need to speak with your supervisor to inform them that the salary they''re paying you isn''t sufficient. They might need to recruit someone new because this phone won''t be answered if you''re not up for the task," he said. After gathering his belongings and stuffing them into his large bag, he left, leaving the frightened man who had fallen to the ground. It was only when the man''s figure had vanished that he snapped out of it and left the place. As this occurred, we could see the same man walking away with the bag. He removed his mask and sighed in relief. Had Evan seen him, he would have undoubtedly recognized the man; it was Rey, now walking away and talking in the same manner. "He must have been terrified, bro. Even I was taken aback by the script you gave me," Rey remarked as he continued on, possibly towards his home. Meanwhile, in a different area, we see Evan heading towards a park to pass some time, as he had to wait until ten-thirty to go home. After wandering for a while, he walked towards his home with caution. He arrived and was relieved to find no one noticing him. He prepared himself to go to his room and, after setting his pace, he hurried towards it. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He reached his room without any issues and opened the door, expecting a moment of relief, but was startled into breathlessness. His aunt was tidying up his room. She noticed him, offered a smile, and resumed her work. "Oh Evan, you''re back. I was just cleaning your room, thinking you were out. Did you see your friend?" Rossy bombarded him with questions. "Oh... well, you know. Yes, I met him, and we had a long talk. He''s gone now. And Aunt, I think someone is downstairs to see you; I noticed someone by your door as I was coming up," Evan replied, thinking quickly on his feet. __ Will his plan work? Will she believe him and leave? To find out, come back and read more tomorrow. Chapter 46: A Blade, A Lie, and the Last Night [13th April 2024] ¡°Oh, someone came to meet me?¡± Rossy mumbled as she stood up. ¡°Let me see if she¡¯s a friend or not.¡± She hurried out of the room, eager to catch a glimpse of the visitor. But when she reached the corridor, there was no one in sight. The hallway remained still and empty. ¡°Left already?¡± she frowned, turning on her heel to head back upstairs. Just then, the phone inside rang. She entered the room again, picked it up, and answered casually, ¡°Hello, Valor Residency. Who is this?¡± A familiar voice responded with warmth. ¡°Oh yes, it¡¯s me, Aunt. Did you meet the lady? I thought you hadn¡¯t come back, so maybe you were talking with her.¡± It was Evan. ¡°I just called to tell you that you can talk with her freely. I¡¯m cleaning the room myself, so don¡¯t come back and strain your feet. I know they¡¯ve been weak since the fever,¡± he added with concern. ¡°So just rest, watch some TV, and ask if you need anything. Bye!¡± ¡°¡­Hello, honey, you don¡¯t¡ªhah¡­ geez,¡± Rossy sighed, lowering the phone. ¡°This kid makes me worry so much. And even with his weak physique, he keeps working tirelessly.¡± She looked at her arm, flexing it a little. The defined muscle and hardened build were a far cry from the image of a frail aunt. ¡°If only he knew... I could lift an entire shelf without breaking a sweat.¡± Her lips curled into a soft smile. ¡°Those days were quite good, huh?¡± Meanwhile, back in Evan¡¯s room... sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He let out a sigh of relief. ¡°At least she won¡¯t come up now,¡± he whispered, deciding to postpone the cleaning. There was something far more pressing. From his bag, he retrieved an object wrapped in a brown cover. He unwrapped it carefully to reveal a box. Breaking the seal, he uncovered a concealed knife-blade weapon¡ªsomething compact, sharp, and crafted for covert use. ¡°I¡¯ll only need to use this once,¡± Evan murmured. ¡°The path I¡¯m taking¡­ it¡¯s not heavily guarded.¡± He wasn¡¯t planning to kill. Sabotage and stealth were the goals. A swift entry, a clean escape. Even if he was caught later, the item would be in his possession. He strapped the device onto his left arm like a band, securing it snugly. ¡°Let¡¯s try this out,¡± he grinned like a child with a new toy. There were instructions: one button for throwing, another for retrieval. A dial allowed him to set the mode. ¡°Hm¡­ if I set it to throw, I might lose it. But hand-mode might let me reuse it¡­¡± He turned the dial. Satisfied, he struck some poses in front of the mirror, mimicking a spy. Then curiosity struck. Detaching the blade from the wristband, he tested its sharpness on a fruit from the fridge. It sliced effortlessly. A thick rope, however, resisted. It took effort¡ªtension, pressure, a bit of brute force¡ªbut the blade cut through. ¡°Not bad.¡± But beneath the excitement, a deeper concern stirred. ¡°How do I leave¡­ without them panicking?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want to disappear without a reason.¡± He paced. Then stopped. ¡°¡­Oh yes, that might work.¡± But first, the room had to be spotless. He glanced at the cleaning supplies and cracked his knuckles. ¡°Let¡¯s do this.¡± Hours passed. ¡° Done,¡± Evan sighed, collapsing onto the bed. His room was pristine. Every corner sparkled. Everything was in order, just the way he liked it. Time for the last step. He called his principal. ¡°Sir, I¡­ would like one more day off.¡± ¡°Just one more, Evan,¡± the voice warned. ¡°It will be the last,¡± he said with a bitter smile. He set the phone down and reached for pen and paper. Letters. One for his aunt. One for his uncle. And another for his friends. Not farewell letters. Not goodbye. Just¡­ lies. Lies wrapped in love. As he wrote, emotions surged. He chuckled. He frowned. He wept in silence. He didn¡¯t want to leave them. But he had to. To protect them. To survive the future that loomed ever closer. The mana invasion. The twisted ambitions of God Candidates. The wrath of true gods. To stand against all of that, he needed strength. Power he didn¡¯t yet have. But he have it. He glanced at the clock. Past 7 PM. Dinner time. Before leaving his room, he carefully removed the weapon, concealing it in a secret spot. ¡°I¡¯ll say it during dinner,¡± he decided. ¡°Not tomorrow. Not through a letter.¡± He stood before the door. ¡°If I¡¯m late in retrieving it... I¡¯ll come back. I¡¯ll confess that it was all just a lie... and stay longer.¡± With that, he stepped out of the room¡ªtoward what might be his final dinner at home. To be continued... ???? Chapter 47: The Truth That Hurts 13th April 2024 Evan descended the stairs from his apartment to the ground floor, where his aunt and uncle resided in a cozy, lived-in space filled with warmth and memories. As he neared the door, the sound of rustling paper met his ears. Inside, Jason sat at the small dining table, flipping through documents with sharp focus. Rossy moved gracefully around the kitchen, her hands busy, the smell of something delicious filling the air. ¡°Jason, could you call Evan for dinner? It¡¯s nearly ready,¡± Rossy said, still focused on preparing the final touches. ¡°Sure,¡± Jason replied without looking up. ¡°I¡¯ll get him after I finish these.¡± ¡°No need, Aunt. I¡¯m already here,¡± Evan announced, stepping through the doorway. Rossy nearly dropped the spoon in her hand. ¡°Oh! Evan, we didn¡¯t even hear you come in.¡± ¡°I told him to call you because you were taking too long,¡± she added with a warm chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Happens all the time. Besides, you¡¯re not getting any younger,¡± Evan said, deadpan. Rossy gasped in mock offense. ¡°Excuse me? I am far too youthful to be called old!¡± Jason grunted. ¡°Alright, ¡®Miss Queen,¡¯ less talk, more food. I¡¯ve got things to do.¡± Rossy turned to him with a pout. ¡°Ugh, you¡¯re such a bad uncle. Can¡¯t you see? An aunt and her son are bonding here!¡± Evan let out a soft chuckle¡ªbrief, but genuine. Rossy caught it immediately. ¡°You smiled,¡± she noted with a small grin, before her face softened. ¡°But¡­ you don¡¯t seem like yourself today. Something wrong, child?¡± sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She gently cupped his cheeks, a habit she never outgrew. Evan backed up slightly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, Aunt. Just tired. Cleaned my room today.¡± Rossy¡¯s expression brightened. ¡°Then you deserve your favorite dinner! You sit down, I¡¯ll serve you.¡± ¡°I can help¡ª¡± ¡°Nope. Sit,¡± she ordered, guiding him to the table. Dinner was eaten quickly, and mostly in silence¡ªJason''s military habits demanded peace during meals. Rossy respected that, but only barely. Afterward, Evan leaned back in his seat. The silence hung in the air like a curtain, and he knew it was time. ¡°Aunt¡­ Uncle... there''s something I need to talk about.¡± Rossy returned from the kitchen with a puzzled expression, drying her hands with a towel. ¡°Did something happen?¡± she asked, sensing the change in his tone. Evan shook his head. ¡°Not exactly. But¡­ remember that friend I mentioned I was meeting today?¡± Both nodded. ¡°Well¡­ something happened. My friend met a couple who claimed to be my biological parents.¡± The words hit like a thunderclap. ¡°What? The parents who abandoned you at the orphanage?¡± Rossy asked, her voice trembling. Evan nodded slowly. ¡°Yes. And... they plan to visit tomorrow. They want to take me with them to another kingdom.¡± Rossy blinked rapidly, trying to process the shock. Jason, ever the composed one, narrowed his eyes. ¡°Are you sure they¡¯re your parents?¡± ¡°They confirmed it. They described things only my parents would know¡ªmy birthmark, the date I was left at the orphanage. I double-checked everything.¡± Jason leaned forward. ¡°So you didn¡¯t meet them? Only spoke on the phone?¡± ¡°Yes. They said they¡¯re currently traveling and can¡¯t be reached. Only they¡¯ll call me back. Here¡ª¡± Evan handed over a number. Jason immediately tried it, only to get a dead tone. ¡°It¡¯s off.¡± ¡°They warned me it would be. Said they¡¯d only contact the number I gave them.¡± Rossy, who had remained frozen, finally snapped. ¡°They might be criminals! Evan, no¡ªdon¡¯t go! You can stay with us. We love you like our own child,¡± she sobbed, her hands trembling. Jason reached out to steady her, but she shook her head and looked to Evan with pleading eyes. ¡°Dear, calm down,¡± Jason said quietly. ¡°Let¡¯s hear him out.¡± Evan nodded, his voice calm. ¡°They were on the run from a powerful noble family. It¡¯s why they left me behind. Now that things are safe, they want me back.¡± He was prepared¡ªhe¡¯d rehearsed the lie a hundred times. The irony? It wasn¡¯t completely a lie. From his past lives, he remembered clearly: his parents had indeed come back for him. They lived together peacefully¡ªat least for two years. But each time, disaster struck. Each time, they were separated. If this life was different¡­ maybe they could all coexist. Rossy¡¯s tears returned. ¡°Why can¡¯t we just live happily together? Why must you be taken away? Why, God? Why?!¡± Jason pulled her close. His own eyes shimmered with unshed tears. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go either,¡± Evan said, standing up. ¡°But I have to meet them. Maybe, someday, I can return with them¡­ and we can all live together.¡± It was hope. A fragile, flickering hope. An hour and a half passed before Rossy composed herself. Her eyes were swollen, but her voice steady. ¡°Listen to me, Evan,¡± she said softly. ¡°They may be your parents... but I will always be your mother. That can never change. Promise me you¡¯ll come back.¡± ¡°I promise,¡± Evan said, his tone unwavering. As he turned to leave, the heaviness in the room was suffocating. Rossy collapsed next to Jason, her heart breaking again. ¡°Can¡¯t we stop him? He should legally be ours¡­¡± she whispered. Jason shook his head. ¡°We can¡¯t. The law¡¯s not on our side, and... Wilson confirmed everything. It¡¯s real.¡± Rossy sniffled, curling into her husband¡¯s side. ¡°What if his mother never lets him come back? What then?¡± Jason couldn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t know either. ¡ª To be continued ¡ª Author''s Note: Hey everyone! This was my first try at an emotionally heavy chapter, and I really hope it resonated with you. Let me know if you felt the weight of Rossy''s pain and Evan¡¯s conflicted heart. Your feedback means a lot! Chapter 48: The Morning of Farewell [13th April 2024] As Jason and Rossy quietly talked about him, Evan walked toward his apartment. His steps were slow, almost hesitant¡ªburdened by thoughts too heavy for a boy his age. He wanted to stop. Every fiber in his body screamed for him to turn back. But the road he had chosen was a one-way path. One misstep could mean ruin¡ªhis hopes, his future, and the warm life he dreamed of sharing with them¡­ all shattered. Still, he had to move forward. Even if what he had now was earned through his own strength, it was thanks to the chances they had once given him. To Rossy and Jason¡ªhe owed more than he could ever repay. With these thoughts swirling in his mind, he arrived at his room and stepped inside. After tending to a few small tasks, he decided to turn in early. Tomorrow¡­ would be a long day. But sleep wouldn¡¯t come. His eyes remained open, unfocused. It felt as if sleep had been stolen from him entirely. ¡°Ahhh, come on, brain, let me sleep...¡± He squeezed his eyes shut and groaned, frustrated by his own restlessness. Still no luck. So he got up, drank two full liters of water, and returned to bed¡­ only to feel another urge¡ªthis time, the bathroom. After the second round, he finally lay down again. This time, mercifully, it worked. He drifted into a deep sleep filled with bittersweet dreams¡ªsoft, distant echoes of the past that felt warm but unreachable. He longed to hold onto them, but something kept them out of reach. He let go and simply watched them from afar. ¡°I will¡­ protect you¡­ I promise...¡± The words escaped in his sleep, his lips parting as a droplet of saliva slid out. A single tear followed¡ªa silent promise made under the cover of night. That was how Evan spent the night¡ªlost in dreams and sleep-talk, whispering to a memory that meant the world to him. [14th April 2024 ¨C Morning] Evan¡¯s phone alarm blared exactly at six in the morning. Annoying at first¡ªbut his eyes flew open the moment he remembered what day it was. Today wasn¡¯t just another day. It was day. A possible turning point in his life. One misstep, and his chances of survival could drop by nearly forty percent. No time to waste. He got up immediately and made his way to the bathroom. He had to follow the plan¡ªconvincing his aunt and uncle that he was going to meet his biological parents. Just walking out without a proper setup wasn¡¯t an option. Minutes later, he emerged clean, dressed in new clothes. No jeans, no tight clothing. Just loose trousers and a long-sleeved t-shirt¡ªperfect to hide the device strapped underneath. Once ready, he gathered a few final items: ¡ª A written letter. ¡ª His old phone from before arriving here. He swapped SIM cards, leaving the new one in the old phone. There couldn¡¯t be any tracking¡ªnot from his uncle, not from anyone. The old phone, he¡¯d hand over as a keepsake. Descending the stairs, he found his aunt Rossy sweeping the same spot over and over again, clearly lost in thought. ¡°Hi Aunt, what are you doing?¡± His voice startled her out of her trance. ¡°Oh, Evan. I was just thinking¡­ Come, have breakfast before you leave,¡± she said, noticing his casual clothes. ¡°No, Aunt. I¡¯m actually here to say goodbye. I brought something¡ªfor you and for Jason, in case he comes looking after I¡¯ve left.¡± Her face instantly fell, a wave of sadness crashing over her. ¡°Can¡¯t you at least come in for one last breakfast?¡± she asked, her voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯d love to¡­ but my ¡®parents¡¯ said we have to leave the kingdom by seven-thirty sharp. But hey¡ªdon¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll have many more breakfasts together. You believe I¡¯ll come back, right?¡± He tried to sound cheerful, to lighten the mood¡ªbut the attempt only made her eyes brim with more tears. ¡°No¡­ I know you¡¯ll return. But can¡¯t you at least take this phone? Keep it¡­ as a memory¡­¡± she said, now sobbing. ¡°Aunt¡­¡± he paused, swallowing a lump in his throat. ¡°Some things are gifted as keepsakes when there''s a chance we may never meet again. But I¡¯ll come back. I swear. And not a single day will pass where I don¡¯t think of you both.¡± By now, emotion overwhelmed both of them. ¡°Okay, then. Goodbye. Please give my regards to Uncle Jason,¡± he said and turned toward the door. Rossy could only watch as he walked away, his back growing smaller with every step. But then¡ªhe turned around. ¡°Aunt Rossy¡ªlisten. I won¡¯t say this again.¡± He inhaled deeply, his voice cracking. ¡°I¡¯ll miss you, . Please give my regards to . I love you both so much. Don¡¯t be sad¡­ I¡¯ll find a way back.¡± With that, Evan sprinted through the gate, tears streaking down his face as he vanished into the early morning light. Moments later, the apartment door creaked open again. Jason stood there, having overheard everything. He walked slowly toward his wife, tears in his eyes. She remained frozen, staring toward the gate. ¡°What happened, dear? Let¡¯s go inside¡­ he¡¯s already gone.¡± But before he could lead her in, she pulled him into a tight embrace and buried her face into his chest. ¡°Jason¡­ he called me . And he called you .¡± Her voice trembled, but it held something more than grief now. ¡°He come back. Even if he¡¯s in hell, he¡¯ll find a way.¡± Jason smiled, resting his chin atop her head. ¡°Yeah¡­ after all these years, he finally called us his parents. That means he¡¯s accepted us¡­ and now he has someone to come home to.¡± To some, it might seem like a small thing. But for a child who had never once said or in years¡­ saying it now, at the edge of goodbye¡ªit meant everything. And people don¡¯t betray those who finally find a place in their heart. If they do¡­ Then they were never in your heart to begin with. To be continued... A/N: Hey guys! How did you like this emotional chapter? ???? Let me know in the comments below. The next chapter¡¯s gonna be wild¡ªget ready for some serious infiltration drama! ???????? S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 49: Into the Trap [14th April 2024] Evan wasn¡¯t the only one stepping out that morning. From another corner of the city, another figure emerged from his home¡ªhis destination unknown, yet his steps were aligned with Evan¡¯s. That person was none other than Rey Dragonstorm, the self-proclaimed sidekick of our tale, and his path too led toward the abandoned factory. Inside that factory, chaos was already brewing. A gang of thugs stood nervously as their boss, Jacob, shouted at the top of his lungs. His fury was palpable, though the reason behind it wasn¡¯t immediately clear. ¡°You bunch of useless morons! I¡¯ve trained you for , and you still can¡¯t carry out a single task properly!¡± ¡°Tell me¡ªdid those two brats show up at their school or not?¡± It wasn¡¯t hard to figure out who he meant. Yes. He was talking about Evan and Rey¡ªboth of whom were now unknowingly closing in on the very den of danger. ¡°Boss,¡± one thug spoke up, ¡°our guys tailed them. Neither went home today. One of the kids¡¯ friends even left crying¡ªprobably had a fight with his parents or something.¡± Jacob¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°So the rat¡¯s already on the move toward the trap, huh?¡± ¡°Good. Snatch him the moment he¡¯s alone in public. I don¡¯t want complications. Once we¡¯ve got both of them¡ªand whatever that thief stole¡ªtoss ''em into the next batch. Who knows, maybe they¡¯ll fetch a better price as a pair.¡± With a twisted smirk, he dismissed them. The thugs nodded and scattered, returning to their posts. Tonight, after all, a was scheduled. And the merchandise? It wasn¡¯t cargo. It was . Meanwhile, Evan was sitting on a quiet park bench. The park was mostly empty save for a few stray joggers and the occasional passerby. He leaned forward, elbows on knees, his eyes scanning the area. ¡°I¡¯ve got to keep my head low¡­ Wait until nightfall, then sneak into the factory unseen,¡± he muttered. Why did he leave so early then? Simple. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He feared that if he waited until evening, his aunt or uncle might insist on seeing him off. That was the last thing he wanted. So, he left in the morning and planned to hide out all day. No schoolmates. No family. No neighbors. He wandered until he found a secluded area with spaced-out benches, finally settling down and pulling out his phone. A fresh SIM was already inserted. As he turned it on, a flood of missed messages hit the screen¡ªmost were from his aunt, and one from James. He didn¡¯t notice that he was already being watched. The thugs Jacob had deployed had found him. At first, only one had eyes on him. But now, several more had gathered. And Evan¡­ was too focused on his screen to notice anything at all. Fate had truly drawn him here. Absorbed in a video, he didn¡¯t even react as a figure approached him from the side. His gaze was eventually pulled toward a shadow, and when he looked up¡ª Splash! A strange liquid flew at his face. ¡°W-What the hell?! You think this is a prank!?¡± Evan snapped, leaping to his feet. But the protest barely left his lips before his legs buckled and a wave of dizziness slammed into him. His body trembled. His vision blurred. And within seconds, he slumped back onto the bench, unconscious. The man who attacked him gave a subtle nod. His comrades emerged from hiding and moved in. As onlookers approached, confused, the thugs spoke quickly. ¡°We found him passed out. Tried waking him, even splashed water on his face¡­¡± The wet spots on his shirt backed up their story. No one questioned further. They hoisted Evan up like deadweight and loaded him into a black car before driving away¡ªtoward the abandoned factory. ¡°Man, that was easy,¡± one thug said with a smirk, sitting beside the unconscious boy. ¡°Yeah. That chemical knocks out normal folks instantly. Even a low-level martial warrior would¡¯ve lasted maybe a minute.¡± They laughed. What they didn¡¯t know¡­ was that Evan was far from ordinary. Back at the factory¡­ The car pulled in through the rear gate. The thugs dragged Evan¡¯s limp body inside, treating him like a sack of grain. Jacob turned, hands clasped behind his back. His lips curled into a grin. ¡°Well, well¡­ you actually managed to do something right.¡± He stepped forward, inspecting the boy¡¯s unconscious face. ¡°How much of the spray did you use?¡± he asked coldly. ¡°Just a little, boss. Barely even a spit.¡± Jacob nodded. ¡°He¡¯ll wake soon. Tie him up¡ªwe¡¯ll deal with him later.¡± They left Evan in a chair, arms bound, head slumped. Unnoticed by all, the nanosuit hidden within him remained dormant¡­ for now. Outside the factory, another figure had arrived. Peeking over the wall, scouting the area carefully, was a teenage boy with windswept hair and sharp eyes. Rey. A large bag hung from his shoulder as he crept along the perimeter, completely unaware that his best friend had already been taken. But fate has its own plans. Perhaps, just perhaps¡­ this was the moment everything would change. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Author''s Note: I know this chapter felt a bit fast-paced, but I¡¯m for what¡¯s coming next. You do want to miss the moment Evan¡¯s powers activate¡ªand what happens when Rey unknowingly steps into the lion¡¯s den. Add the book to your library so you get notified when the next chapter drops! Chapter 50: The Hidden Path and the White Room While Evan remained bound and unconscious inside the factory, outside, someone was already moving with purpose¡ªsomeone who never played by the rules. {Rey''s POV} ¡°Hey, where are you going? Isn¡¯t the entrance over there?¡± a familiar voice rang out in my mind as I circled to the back of the old facility. I sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t you keep quiet for one damn minute, Aiden? I¡¯m taking the same route I used back then... when I dragged your whining spirit out of this dump.¡± Aiden¡ªmy uninvited companion. A spirit I picked up by accident, or so I thought. Turns out, he wasn¡¯t just any spirit. He claimed to be a god relic, once wielded by a God King¡ªyeah, God King, one who supposedly ruled above all others. Still hard to believe something that powerful ended up in a backwater world like ours. ¡°Ohhh~ now I remember this path,¡± Aiden hummed, floating around me like an annoying halo. ¡°Hurry up, we don¡¯t have time. We need to get to Zero before someone else does.¡± Zero. He always talked about her like she was some kind of treasure. Like the entire world would fall apart if she landed in the wrong hands. ¡°Can I just ask¡ªwho exactly is she that you¡¯re so damn obsessed with?¡± I muttered, glancing around cautiously. ¡°You keep acting like if someone else gets her, all hell breaks loose.¡± ¡° think of her like some normal relic, kid,¡± Aiden said, his tone turning serious. ¡°She¡¯s the pinnacle of creation¡ªgreater than me, greater than any relic ever made. The purest form of power itself.¡± I scoffed. ¡°Right. If she¡¯s so powerful, then why did your last host ?¡± Aiden paused for a moment before brushing it off. ¡°Tch, I can¡¯t remember the details. Anyway, quit with the questions. Just know she¡¯s the real deal.¡± I rolled my eyes and dropped the heavy suitcase I¡¯d been carrying. ¡°Fine, enough chit-chat. Should I wear those things now, or later?¡± ¡°Put them on. We¡¯re going in,¡± Aiden instructed. I popped open the case and geared up¡ªarmor plates, embedded guard tags, and finally, a long coat for flair. Gotta admit, it looked slick. ¡°So? How do I look?¡± I smirked. ¡°The outfit¡¯s sharp,¡± Aiden replied with a chuckle. ¡°Too bad it¡¯s being worn by a total donkey.¡± I clicked my tongue. ¡°One more word and I¡¯ll throw you in a blender. Now quiet down. I need to concentrate if I¡¯m gonna sneak in and steal your damn ¡®ultimate relic¡¯.¡± ¡°Alright, alright... but what if I told you I had a idea?¡± Aiden said, floating beside me like a devilish whisper. I squinted at the guards patrolling near the main building. ¡°Better idea how?¡± He grinned. ¡°Time for a little... cake-cutting.¡± ¡°What the hell are you¡ª¡± But before I could finish, my body seized up. I lost control. My vision darkened, and I felt myself into the void. I tried calling out, but no answer came. When light finally returned, I wasn¡¯t in the factory anymore. I stood in a sterile, white room, boxed in by seamless walls. There were no doors, no windows¡ªnothing. I ran my hands across the surface and finally felt something¡ªa hidden handle. Smooth and cold, camouflaged perfectly into the wall. If not for touch, I¡¯d have missed it. I yanked it. Nothing. Again. Still nothing. Over and over, until my arms grew numb. And just when I was about to give up, it clicked¡ªand the door burst open. But instead of light, it revealed a swirling black void that yanked me in like a vacuum. In the blink of an eye, I found myself back in reality. My breath hitched. Aiden stood there, stretching like he¡¯d just returned from yoga. ¡°You¡¯re back. Good timing.¡± I gritted my teeth. ¡°What that?¡± ¡°Nothing serious. Just borrowed your body for a bit. Had to sneak us inside.¡± I looked around. Sure enough, we were in. Just outside a window that had been busted open. ¡°What happened to the guard that was stationed here?¡± I asked. ¡°Relax. I put him in a... permanent nap. Sweet dreams and all.¡± That answer gave me chills, but I didn¡¯t push it. I knew better than to dig too deep with Aiden. ¡°Let¡¯s go before anyone spots us,¡± I said, carefully climbing in through the window, mindful of the broken glass. {End of POV} Somewhere not too far from where Rey and Aiden infiltrated, several figures lay motionless on the ground. To the average eye, they seemed merely unconscious. But a closer look revealed the truth. Blood. Red. Fresh. Soaking into the soil. They weren¡¯t asleep. They were dead. Aiden¡¯s doing? Most likely. But the real question remained¡ª exactly was Aiden? A divine relic? A ghost? Or something far more ancient? Meanwhile, deep within the bowels of the factory... In a dark corner, Evan sat bound to a chair. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His fingers twitched. His eyelids trembled. Moments later, his eyes slowly opened¡ªhis consciousness returning as the drug¡¯s effects wore off. The storm was coming. To be continued... Author¡¯s Note: Thanks for sticking around, guys! This chapter marks a turning point¡ªexpect more revelations, action, and dark mysteries from here on out. If you''re enjoying the story, don¡¯t forget to follow and add this to your library! Because trust me... the real thrill is just ahead. Chapter 51: The Curtain Falls on Blue Star [14th April 2024] As our audacious thief Rey and his so-called trusted ally Aiden entered the main building of the abandoned factory to retrieve something known only as ¡°Zero,¡± the scene shifted. Sometime later... Evan stirred. Groggily awakening from the effects of the drug, his half-lidded eyes blinked against the dim light, struggling to focus. His thoughts, however, spun at full speed. The surroundings were unfamiliar¡ªdefinitely not the park where he had last been, watching a video. Then it hit him. A man had thrown something at his face, and he''d fallen into a forced sleep. Had he been kidnapped? He remembered the recent spike in missing person reports¡ªno contact, no ransom, no return. Just vanished. His heart pounded. This wasn¡¯t some petty street crime. No, it reeked of something far worse¡ªeither a high-profile criminal ring or a deranged psychopath at play. Evan¡¯s instincts screamed , yet strangely¡­ the place felt familiar. Not in this life. But another. And then he remembered. This was the very same factory he had to visit. Relief washed over him. Just as he was about to activate the hidden device in his sleeve, a sound echoed nearby. /TAP/¡­ /TAP/¡­ /TAP/¡­ ~~~~~~ Footsteps. Getting louder. Someone was approaching. Evan¡¯s instincts flared, and he immediately feigned unconsciousness, letting his body go limp. The tapping halted. A large shadow loomed over him. Evan longed to sneak a peek¡ªbut he dared not risk being caught. Then¡ª "Are you going to open your eyes on your own, or do you need me to do it for you?" The voice was mocking. t. He knows...* "Oh, playing tough, huh?" "Let¡¯s see how long that lasts after I break a few fingers." The man reached for Evan''s hand. In pure panic, Evan¡¯s eyes shot open. "Ah! So Mr. Actor finally wraps up the scene, huh? That makes my work easier." The man cracked his knuckles. Evan looked up, faking fear¡ªbut inside, he was composed. He wasn¡¯t the same Evan anymore. His memories of a past life made him stronger. Sharper. ¡°W-Who are you? Why did you kidnap me?¡± he asked, still pretending to be a scared teenager. The man chuckled. "Name¡¯s Jacob. Leader of this gang." "Sorry, kid. Didn¡¯t mean to involve you, but one of your little friends stole something from me." "Now, both of you get to pay." Jacob stepped into full view. He was tall¡ª5''11" of muscle and menace, a deep scar carving across his forehead. He looked like the stereotypical third-rate boss in a bad crime novel. ¡°Friend? I only have two friends, and neither would steal from anyone! Maybe... maybe you got the wrong guy?¡± Evan replied calmly. Jacob squinted at him. "So maybe we did snatch the wrong kid?" He smiled. A cold, dangerous smile. Then¡ª THUD! A punch slammed into Evan¡¯s chest, sending his chair crashing backwards. ¡°AHHHHHH¡ª!¡± The pain was . While Evan''s soul had endured pain before, his body hadn¡¯t. He trembled, agony spreading through every nerve. "Still playing dumb?" Jacob mocked, snapping his fingers. One of his men pulled Evan and the chair back upright. "Let¡¯s jog your memory. Here¡¯s a photo¡ªrecognize this guy?" Jacob revealed a bent photo. It was hard to make out. Evan¡¯s heart dropped. It was Rey. ''No¡­ if I tell them, they¡¯ll hunt down Rey and James. I have to lie. I have to buy time.'' ¡°Sir, his name is... Bator. I¡¯ve never met him in my life.¡± Jacob raised a brow. "Bator, huh?" "Strange. I could¡¯ve sworn his name was Rey." He unfolded the picture further, revealing Rey and James. Evan¡¯s eyes widened in shock. Jacob sneered. "Trying to play hero, huh?" SMACK! Jacob¡¯s palm collided with Evan¡¯s head, knocking him backward again. Blood leaked from his ear. Then¡ªdarkness. "Check if he''s dead. Let me know." Jacob ordered coldly and walked away. ¡°Okay, boss,¡± came the reply. Time passed. Evan stirred once more. His head throbbed. Vision blurred. But this time, the air was filled with noise¡ªcrashing, grunting, fighting. Two men. One was clearly Jacob. The other? A masked figure in a long coat, moving with precision and speed, like a shadow in motion. He wasn¡¯t carrying a gun. He had a blade, small and deadly¡ªmore like a dagger from a game. Before Evan could react¡ª CRASH! The masked man was flung into him, knocking both to the floor. Evan remained tied to the chair, while the masked figure rose, wincing. Then it hit Evan. Something was calling to him. Not the man. Not the blade. Something else. A pull. A voice. Beckoning. Whispering to be claimed. But he resisted. His instincts screamed at him to ignore it. Using a hidden blade, Evan began cutting through his bindings. {A couple of eons earlier~~~~~~~~} From the shadows above, Rey had been watching it all unfold¡ªhis friend getting beaten, interrogated, and bleeding. He¡¯d been about to jump down when Aiden held him back. ¡°We need to find Zero first,¡± Aiden urged. But Rey¡¯s heart wouldn¡¯t allow it. He saw Evan pretend not to know him. He saw him get discovered anyway. He made his choice. Rey found the object he believed to be Zero. Then he went to help Evan. Just as he was freeing Evan, Jacob appeared. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A battle erupted. But it wasn¡¯t much of a fight¡ªRey was evading, dodging. Not attacking. ¡°Draw your weapon!¡± Aiden yelled from above. Rey hesitated. He was afraid of using it. Still, he unsheathed it to protect Evan. And he got stabbed in the chest for his trouble. The blow sent him flying¡ªstraight into Evan¡¯s chair. Unaware that Evan had regained consciousness... Evan was already free. The two men continued to clash. He turned to escape¡ªbut then... "Wait. Come and get me... I can help you..." The voice again. Louder. Clearer. Evan staggered, nearly giving in to the pull. But his memories stopped him. ¡°Sorry... not this time.¡± He turned and fled. The voice quieted. Deeper in the factory now, Evan pushed past cardboard boxes and rusted racks. He searched. Finally¡ª There it was. A small metallic sphere, the size of a fist. A needle-like spike on one end. The object he¡¯d been told to find. His ticket out. He pressed his thumb against the spike. His blood dripped onto the sphere. It responded. A surge of suction. A familiar power. Mana. The same energy is invading their world. The same power that would help him return¡ªto protect those he loved. The sphere shattered. A strange pull took hold of him. Evan vanished. ¡°Goodbye, my world. I¡¯ll be back soon enough.¡± His last words echoed in the emptiness. Behind him, Rey lay beneath a collapsed rack, bleeding and still. Was it his destiny to die? Or would fate intervene? Only time will tell¡­ To Be Continued... Author''s Note: And with that, the final scene on Planet Blue Star comes to a close. The main setting of our story¡ªthe world that will challenge and transform our characters¡ªis about to be unveiled. I hope you¡¯re ready for what¡¯s coming next. The true journey begins tomorrow. Goodnight, and thank you for reading. ???? Chapter 52: New Genesis [1] Just as Evan initiated the teleportation, an unexpected mishap occurred. The last time he escaped from Blue Star, there were no issues. The planet had already been fully assimilated with external mana, making transitions smooth. But this time¡­ something was off. Perhaps One and Grim¡ªthe two Thrones among the Ten¡ªhad overlooked a critical variable. Whatever it was, it led to a devastating complication. Evan¡¯s body was meant to be separated and stored within a teleportation relic, its preservation ensured until he returned to Earth. Yet, just as the transfer began, something faltered. His body was suspended in the void for only a few milliseconds¡ªbut even that fleeting pause was enough to wreak irreversible damage. The human body was far too fragile to endure the raw emptiness of the void. Within those short moments, he was subjected to indescribable torment, his physical form collapsing under the immense pressure of the formless abyss. His soul, too, came dangerously close to shattering. But at the brink of obliteration, the teleportation process stabilized. Evan¡¯s consciousness slipped through the cracks of reality and escaped annihilation¡ªjust barely. He had suffered a tragic duality: the complete destruction of his body¡­ and the survival of his soul. A soul that now floated weakened and disoriented¡ªits healing, a journey yet to begin. Still dazed, Evan struggled to comprehend what had just happened. He couldn¡¯t recall ever entering such a state before during teleportation. Was this some rare anomaly? Or had One and Grim made a fatal miscalculation? He made a mental note to ask them¡ªif they even remembered. For anyone wondering why it took so long, let it be known: Evan wasn¡¯t teleporting within the same cosmos. He was leaping from one to another, traversing layers of the void¡ªeach more dangerous than the last. The relics and items he used ensured that the journey remained undetected, safe from the hungry eyes and lurking horrors within the interdimensional abyss. Time had no meaning here. Minutes? Hours? Days? It all felt the same. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eventually, he sensed a shift¡ªan invisible gate, a threshold of sorts. A different existence awaited beyond it. Within seconds, he was pulled toward a new vessel, drawn into a body not his own. Moments passed, and he awakened in the unfamiliar shell. He gasped lightly as his eyes fluttered open, slowly adjusting to his new surroundings¡ªand what he saw left him speechless. The very first thing he did¡­ was check his body. Naturally. He''d read a novel once where the protagonist accidentally transmigrated into a girl''s body due to a ritual mishap. That was an experience Evan was looking to replicate. Thankfully, all parts were where they should be. Relieved, he turned his attention to the room around him. It was small. Not too different from his old one, but the furniture was arranged differently, with clothes and books scattered haphazardly across the floor. Despite the unfamiliar mess, a strange sense of nostalgia washed over him. Would life truly change now that he had arrived in a new world? Perhaps¡­ but destiny rarely followed expectations. Suddenly, a sharp numbness overtook his head¡ªa familiar signal. ¡°Ah, here it comes,¡± he muttered, groaning. Without wasting time, he grabbed a nearby pillow, stuffed it into his mouth, and collapsed onto the bed, bracing himself. Yes, dear fast reader¡ªif that¡¯s what you are¡ªit¡¯s moment again. The memory integration phase. You didn¡¯t think transmigration was all smooth sailing, did you? As Evan¡¯s soul claimed ownership over the vessel, the body¡¯s original soul was forcefully integrated or devoured, to be blunt¡ªwithout his conscious intent. This wasn''t his first time either. Three bodies. Three souls. All consumed and overwritten. Maybe they were freed to reincarnate. Maybe not. The process began. Memories of this body¡¯s previous owner¡ªan entire lifetime of eighteen years¡ªflooded into Evan¡¯s consciousness, embedding themselves like puzzle pieces snapping into place. It was painful, mentally exhausting, but necessary. Without this integration, he would be a stranger in a world that wasn''t his. After what felt like an eternity, he finally sat up. His mind buzzed with confusion, a strange overlap of two lives. For a brief moment, he almost believed was his true life, and his time on Blue Star was a dream. But he knew better. That illusion would fade soon enough. Curious about his new identity, Evan stood and looked around for a mirror. Not finding one in the room, he instinctively headed to the bathroom¡ªonly to pause at the door. The bathroom was smaller than what he had back on Blue Star. Compact, a little worn¡ªbut serviceable. He looked into the mirror. A stranger stared back at him. For a second, Evan didn¡¯t recognize the face reflected there. Brown hair. Familiar eye color. A facial structure that bore an uncanny resemblance to his old one, yet still different in subtle ways. ¡°Is that¡­ me?¡± He wasn¡¯t sure. The memories were still blending, disorienting his sense of identity. Eventually, the haze would clear, and he¡¯d fully adapt. But for now, he had to accept that this was the body he would occupy until the end. His original body was beyond repair¡ªjust fragments in the void now. This body wasn¡¯t trained like Evan¡¯s original one, but it wasn¡¯t frail either. Born in a world bathed in mana, even the boy¡¯s mother was a natural mana-user. And yet¡­ not a single trace of mana existed within his body. He hadn¡¯t awakened. Not yet. Evan blinked, realization dawning. ¡°Wait¡­ today was his awakening day, wasn¡¯t it?¡± A grin crept across his face. Maybe this was fate¡ªor maybe it was just ridiculous timing. Either way, Evan had claimed the body moments before its most pivotal transformation. What a start to his new genesis. To be continued¡­ A/N: Hello, everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter. Chapter 53: New Genesis [2] Today could be the day this body''s owner becomes a hero¡­ or remains just another pedestrian, struggling to survive while others, gifted by fate with higher-class awakenings, alter the course of their destinies forever. The legendary awakening is upon us¡ªthe day when individuals are assigned their class and thrust into the unforgiving truth of this cursed world. Peace? A comforting lie. The only reality is war. A war for supremacy. "My mind''s starting to sound like a villain¡¯s," Evan muttered, stepping out of the bathroom and sitting on the edge of his bed, his thoughts spiraling as inherited memories surged to the forefront. ¡®Still¡­ maybe this is the start I needed,¡¯ he mused, quietly evaluating the strange abilities this new body granted him. {Evan¡¯s POV} The world of Ceruleth¡ªeerily familiar, like a twisted echo of past creations¡ªwas forever changed eighty-three years ago, in the year 2020. It began with the arrival of mana, an unnatural force that rewrote the very laws of existence. Spatial anomalies erupted across the globe, birthing monsters and chaos. The first dungeon appeared shortly after, and what followed was a rapid, violent expansion of the world¡ªso vast that only ten percent of the land remained intact. And even that ¡®ten percent¡¯ was half the size of the old world¡¯s total surface. The world had grown¡­ monstrously. With civilization shattered, the rise of hunters¡ªor raiders¡ªmarked a turning point. Those who could wield mana began the long, bloody mission to reclaim what was lost. But monsters, beasts, and even beings from beyond ensured that humanity could only secure what it could defend. Territories claimed by the awakened were protected by the system itself, shielding them from fresh rift outbreaks. Those gifted lands became the foundations of new nations. Yet, not all wanted power. Many exchanged their hard-won territories for luxury, offered by the emerging centralized government. This compromise birthed the Ceruleth Global Association (CGA)¡ªan alliance formed from the remnants of old-world governments. In contrast, those who resisted, craving sovereignty over obedience, were crushed or vanished from history. Years passed. Technology and mana evolved hand in hand. The world embraced spatial teleportation, a dream made real by a new breed of talents. Two primary types of rifts were discovered: Dungeons¡ªsmall, isolated spaces. World Portals¡ªgateways to entire worlds, some far larger than Ceruleth itself. Eventually, a breakthrough allowed these portals to be stabilized using designated territories. From this, humanity discovered Nexus¡ªa layered world filled with opportunities, danger¡­ and untold power. It fueled a new era of exploration. But even now, barely fifteen percent of Ceruleth has been reclaimed. So begins the story of Evan Ravencall¡ªan orphan since age ten, after his parents died defending Block Three¡¯s gate. That was the official story, anyway. Left alone in a brutal world, Evan was granted shelter by the very guild his parents once served. They gave him an apartment, survival funds, and education at a decent enough school. The only catch? He was bound to a contract. If Evan reached C-rank or unlocked a rare or unique ability, he had to join them. A reasonable deal¡­ for a boy with no other options. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Evan had plans of his own. The guild''s reputation wasn''t as clean as they claimed. Whispers of exploitation, extortion, and worse trailed behind their name¡ªwhispers Evan never forgot. So he bided his time. Solitude became his armor. He excelled at it, distancing himself from others with such precision it rivaled a monarch¡¯s scheming. Friends? Liabilities. Attachments? Weaknesses. If he died, better there be no one left to cry. ¡°I walk alone because I must,¡± he told himself. ¡°No one mourns a shadow.¡± That was his creed. No sentimental catchphrases about ¡®power of family¡¯ or ¡®bonds of destiny.¡¯ His only bond was to survival¡ªand eventually, supremacy. But there was one problem. ¡°Wait a second¡­ where¡¯s my gear?¡± He blinked, confused. He distinctly remembered equipping himself last night. ¡°Hello? System? You there? Don¡¯t tell me I¡¯ve been scammed already¡­¡± he muttered, lightly panicking. No response. ¡°¡­Okay, maybe it only shows up after I awaken.¡± Just as he reclined and began calming himself, a knock shattered the silence. Each knock was heavier than the last. To be continued¡­ A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks again for your amazing support. I¡¯d love to hear your thoughts¡ªdo you enjoy how the world lore is unfolding? Let me know what caught your attention and what you''re looking forward to. Your comments keep the story alive! Chapter 54: New Genesis [3] Date: 14th Everdusk, 2103 ¡°Hey kid, open up. You know what happens if you¡¯re late,¡± a voice called from outside the apartment door. Evan didn¡¯t recognize the voice immediately, but muscle memory¡ªand years of bitter experience¡ªtold him exactly who it was. /Knock//Knock//Knock/ ¡°I¡¯m coming, wait a second!¡± Evan replied, making exaggerated walking noises to buy a little time. He slammed the bathroom door shut for effect, then quickly hurried to the entrance and opened it. Standing there were two familiar faces¡ªKale and Brin. ¡°You¡¯re running late, kid,¡± Kale said gruffly. Brin, as usual, was lighting up a cigarette, the sharp scent of smoke already curling into Evan¡¯s nostrils. He hated it. ¡°Sorry, sir. I was just about to come out when I heard you, but I got caught up putting on my clothes,¡± Evan said. It wasn¡¯t a lie¡ªthe body¡¯s previous owner had just finished bathing when Evan took over. ¡°Alright, alright. We¡¯re heading to school with you,¡± Brin said, puffing out a cloud of smoke. ¡°Awakening Day, right? Just make sure you land a decent class and join our guild. Don¡¯t screw it up.¡± ¡°Yes, sir, I¡¯ll do my best,¡± Evan replied with a stiff nod. ¡°But the class is up to fate, not me.¡± ¡°Whatever. Just don¡¯t be a disappointment,¡± Kale muttered. ¡°Anyway, today¡¯s your last day living here. From now on, if you want to stay, you¡¯ll have to earn your keep.¡± ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Evan said calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve already packed my bag, just in case.¡± What he didn¡¯t say was how much he wanted to punch both of them. For the past eight years, they¡¯d made his life a living hell. They took over his room, used his space as if it were theirs, and drained whatever money he earned in the name of a ¡®protection fee.¡¯ The original owner of this body had caved in silently¡ªbut Evan was different. ¡°Let¡¯s move. Time to see if you¡¯re worth something, or just another waste,¡± Kale said. Since it was Awakening Day, students were told not to bring bags. After receiving their classes, they¡¯d head straight to the school¡¯s beginner dungeon. ¡°I¡¯ll be out in a moment,¡± Evan said, heading back inside to grab the apartment key. When he returned, he locked the door and slipped the key into his pocket. ¡°Hand over the key, kid,¡± Brin demanded. ¡°What if you die in the dungeon?¡± Evan forced a smile. ¡°No need to worry. My parents didn¡¯t raise me to die in a mere beginner dungeon.¡± ¡°But accidents happen,¡± Kale said, frowning. ¡°What if I need to move later?¡± Evan countered smoothly. ¡°I can¡¯t get my stuff if I give you the key. And let¡¯s be real¡ªhow could I run off with it when you¡¯re tier-one warriors and I¡¯m still just a base human?¡± Brin exchanged a glance with Kale, then shrugged. ¡°Fair enough. You¡¯ve got a sharp tongue, kid.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kale said. ¡°Don¡¯t make us regret trusting you.¡± The three of them walked together toward the school. Thankfully, it wasn¡¯t far. Evan was glad¡ªless time spent with those two was always a win. The school building loomed ahead, not much different in size from his old one. But the world itself had changed. Despite this being his third time visiting, he was still in awe of the technology. Mana-powered vehicles and devices filled the streets¡ªfar beyond anything from his original time. In the past eighty-three years, society had advanced rapidly thanks to the discovery of mana crystals. Everything now ran on mana. Fossil fuels were obsolete. Crystals, mined from dungeons or Nexus realms, fueled the entire tech sector. He was still marveling at it all when he noticed other students streaming toward the school. Kale and Brin stopped at the gate. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°You guys aren¡¯t coming in?¡± Evan asked. ¡°Nah. We¡¯ll meet you at the dungeon site,¡± Kale said. ¡°Don¡¯t forget to find us after the awakening¡­ or you know what happens.¡± He cracked his knuckles meaningfully. ¡°Y-yes, sir. I¡¯ll remember,¡± Evan said quickly and dashed through the gate. Only once he was inside and saw they hadn¡¯t followed did he finally breathe easy. ¡°Phew¡­ those two morons are finally gone.¡± With them out of the picture, he could finally move freely. ¡°As for the class I awaken¡­ I¡¯ve got my ways,¡± he muttered with a grin. ¡°And no way I¡¯m joining their guild. For home stuff, I¡¯ve got savings¡ªenough to last me two months. More than enough time to make real money on my own.¡± Resolved, he headed toward the main building. His class was section 12-3¡ªhis final year. In his past lives, he¡¯d always arrived in 2104. This time, it was 2103. That extra year might just give him access to things he¡¯d missed before. Most of his previous classmates were probably in their eleventh grade now, scattered across different countries. In all three lifetimes, he had landed in entirely different nations, each experience completely unique. He didn¡¯t waste any more time and entered his classroom. The moment he stepped in, the chattering stopped. Everyone thought he was the teacher. But when they saw it was just Evan, the noise returned immediately. He wasn¡¯t surprised. He was an outsider¡ªtreated like a ghost. No one ever talked to him. Even teachers sometimes forgot he was there until they noticed the empty seat. Half the class didn¡¯t even know his first name, let alone that he was an orphan. But that was fine. That was about to change. ¡ª To be continued ¡ª A/N: If you enjoyed the chapter, don¡¯t forget to drop a comment Chapter 55: New Genesis [4] [14th Everdusk, 2103] While the other students were lost in the typical post-class chatter¡ªlaughing about plans, dreams, and maybe a few risky bets¡ªEvan quietly observed. Just a few days ago, he had been living in his own world, attending his own classes. Now, he was here¡­ in this new world, surrounded by strangers chasing familiar hopes. Back in his original world, teens talked about console games, manga updates, and magazine rankings. But here, they spoke of , , and . He overheard a boy speak with fiery determination, saying that once he awakened, he''d finally teach the bullies who had tormented him a lesson. Evan found their ambitions admirable, even a bit heartwarming. Yet he also knew the reality: the awakening rates were brutal. Fifteen percent for combat classes. Twenty-five percent for support or auxiliary roles. Thirty-five percent didn¡¯t awaken anything at all. And still, they hoped. For Evan, though, the path was clearer. Even if he didn¡¯t awaken a combat class, he could still qualify as a hunter by leveraging his other classes. He could forge a license, fake some credentials, and find his way into raids. But if¡ª¡ªhe awakened a combat class naturally, then it¡¯d be like finding a wallet stuffed with money on the street. No forging. No pretending. Just legitimacy. He was lost in thought when the classroom door suddenly opened. A man in his early forties entered, eyes stormy. The students scrambled to their seats¡ªthis wasn¡¯t the time for idle chatter. Mr. Helen was clearly not in a good mood. ¡°Listen up,¡± he said, his voice sharp but steady. ¡°As you all know, today marks your final day of school. After this, you¡¯ll step into the real world¡ªone where your class defines your worth.¡± He paused, scanning the room. ¡°Some of you will become hunters. Others will be supporters. A few might work in corporations, crafting gear or items for those on the front lines. And some of you... won¡¯t awaken at all. But don¡¯t let that break you. Even without a class, you can still serve this society. In fact, you might live longer, healthier lives than hunters. Because out there... no one knows when a hunter¡¯s time will come.¡± His words sparked something in the room. Hushed voices turned thoughtful. Evan felt it too¡ªthis odd tug of motivation. The teacher gave a nod, satisfied. ¡°Alright, stay seated until you¡¯re called for the ceremony.¡± And with that, he stepped out, leaving behind a low buzz of whispered theories. Evan mused, recalling that while Helen wasn¡¯t teaching at a prestigious school, he clearly had a gift. The larger schools paid better, but not everyone worked for money alone. Then Evan''s ears perked up. ¡°Hey, do you know why Mr. Helen was pissed when he walked in?¡± a boy whispered nearby. ¡°Of course. Don¡¯t you know?¡± his friend whispered back, turning in his seat. ¡°It¡¯s the teacher competition.¡± ¡°Competition?¡± ¡°Yeah. Every year, the final-year teachers make a bet. The class with the most awakenings wins. The winning teacher gets twenty percent of the other teachers¡¯ salaries for the next two months.¡± Evan blinked. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. {Evan¡¯s POV} The whole situation reminded me of something out of a novel¡ªor maybe one of the old manga series from my past life. It made me wonder: were others like me also sent here by higher powers? Were they walking among us? I leaned toward the two boys chatting earlier. ¡°Hey, brothers. Who¡¯s the top student in our batch?¡± They both turned, shocked. ¡°Wait¡­ did he just talk to us?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡°Do I look like a mute zombie to you guys? Come on. Just curious.¡± They exchanged a glance, then one of them answered. ¡°Lucas Bennett. He¡¯s number one in all the subjects. Basically a genius.¡± The name jolted me. In my past life, that name became a symbol of hope. A pillar of humanity. A rising star. He was the one people thought would finally break our species out of the cage we were trapped in. But then, he died. One year after arriving, two years from now. I''d never met him back then. Only read about him. But now... he was here. Alive. Unawakened. If this the same Lucas, then this could be the turning point. I could stop him before he ever became a threat¡ªor a hero. But I wasn¡¯t the reckless type. I wasn¡¯t someone who sought attention. I knew all too well how dangerous it was to stand out too early. Besides, I had no concrete proof he was the same Lucas. There was no way I could justify killing someone just on a hunch. Still¡­ if he , then we¡¯d be crossing paths again soon enough. My thoughts were interrupted as Mr. Helen returned and instructed us to head to the auditorium. The awakening ceremony was about to begin. As our class lined up and moved out, I noticed that two other sections were already there. Ours was the third. We were being called in by section, most likely. While standing in line, I looked over to try and spot Lucas¡ªperhaps he was in section two. But just then, Mr. Helen caught me glancing around and barked at me to stand still. Apparently, the chief guest was about to arrive. {POV End} ¡°So, Helen¡­ think your class can win this year?¡± asked Cedric, the teacher from Section-1. Helen shrugged, but a hint of pride flickered in his eyes. ¡°Who knows? Maybe some real stars will awaken today.¡± Tessa from Section-2 gave a nervous smile. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t say that. We shouldn¡¯t encourage this talk. The students will start betting too.¡± Marlo from Section-4 chuckled. ¡°Come on, Tess. Everyone already knows we do this every year.¡± Vaedin, the teacher from Section-3, added with a grin, ¡°Besides, it¡¯s easy money if you win.¡± Tess sighed. ¡°Still¡­ it feels wrong.¡± But the teasing stopped as a hush fell over the auditorium. Two figures emerged from the entrance. ¡°All students, silence. The principal and our guest have arrived,¡± Mr. Helen announced. All eyes turned to Principal Miriam Westfield¡ªand the robed man beside him. He looked to be in his mid-fifties, though his age was anyone¡¯s guess. His robe shimmered with subtle runes, and he carried a thick book bound in leather. ¡°Students and faculty,¡± Principal Miriam began, her voice calm and commanding. ¡°Today marks the tenth awakening ceremony of our school. To honor it, we¡¯ve invited a distinguished guest: Master Darian Stroud, a second-tier magic formation master currently serving under the CGA.¡± Gasps rippled through the crowd. ¡°Pay attention,¡± she added. ¡°A few words from a seasoned hunter can guide you more than years of study.¡± Master Darian stepped forward. ¡°Good morning, students. I hope you¡¯re ready,¡± he said, his voice even but filled with gravitas. ¡°Summon your will. Seize your destiny.¡± With a flick of his wrist, his grimoire floated into the air and opened. He began to chant softly. Magical script glowed along the pages as a complex formation took shape above them, dazzling with runes and light. For most of the students, it was the first time seeing real magic. For Evan, though, it was different. He knew the true power of formation masters¡ªhow they could destroy cities with the right spell, how their tools came from years of grinding through Nexus dungeons and secret zones. Darian¡¯s book wasn¡¯t just a prop¡ªit was a grimoire, likely made from a nexus relic and infused with formation structures only he could read. As the chant ended, a glowing crystal ball emerged from the formation, slowly descending until it landed on the platform. The setup was complete. ¡°Section-1, step forward,¡± came the call. The awakening ceremony had begun. Chapter 56: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [1] As the formation for the class awakening ceremony was finally prepared, Darian clapped his hands to draw the students¡¯ attention. His status alone demanded respect, and none dared ignore him¡ªearning his disfavor could mean a bleak future. "Alright, everyone. If you''re ready, allow me to introduce the formation that will guide your awakening today¡ªwhether it aligns with your destiny or not," Darian announced, his voice steady and calm, yet brimming with authority. ¡°Step forward, one line at a time. Enter the formation and stand in its center. Soon, you will feel a strange energy stir within you¡ªdo not resist it. Let it guide you. That energy will reveal the class slumbering inside your soul. Come now, and meet your fate.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A wave of applause followed, rippling with nervous excitement. His words struck a chord in every student present. ¡°Students from Section One, proceed according to your roll numbers,¡± the Principal instructed, while the teachers moved into position, prepared for the long-awaited ritual. Cedric stepped to the front of his class. "Alright, I will call your number. When I do, approach the stage and begin the process." ¡°Number one.¡± A brown-haired student walked forward, his steps measured. Brown was a common hair color here, though others like black, blonde, fiery red, ocean blue, and even forest green also existed. But let¡¯s not dwell on appearances¡ªthe moment was far too important. The student bowed respectfully to the Principal and Darian before stepping into the center of the glowing formation. He placed his hand on the Awakening Crystal. A brief glow emitted from the crystal, and his expression contorted as a strange sensation crawled through his body. He flinched but resisted the urge to pull away, knowing it might ruin the awakening. Suddenly, his body shone with radiant light, and above him, a phantom warrior holding a massive shield materialized for all to see. "A ," Darian murmured, his voice tinged with intrigue. ¡°Not offensive, but highly useful in a team. His defense will be invaluable.¡± The Principal remained composed, but inwardly, he was thrilled. A combat class right at the start was a great sign¡ªeven if it wasn¡¯t flashy, it was practical. That could earn favor from the CGA¡¯s branch and validate the academy¡¯s formation. As the illusion faded, the Awakening Crystal flickered again. A letter emerged¡ª The class¡¯s rank. Among hunters, grades mattered. Anything below was considered low-tier, unlikely to gain recognition. "A decent class, though sadly a low rank," the Principal commented, just loud enough to be heard. The student bowed once again and walked off the stage. Though a part of him was disappointed, the cheers and congratulations from his classmates lifted his spirits. He had awakened. That alone was a victory. Then Cedric called the next student¡ªa girl known for her kindness and popularity. Everyone watched with hopeful anticipation. She stepped onto the stage and entered the formation. At first, a soft glow, then... nothing. No phantom. No flash of light. No awakening. The silence was deafening. She had not awakened a class. Though she still possessed mana and could live an ordinary life, her path as a hunter was sealed shut. Her knees buckled, and she crouched in the middle of the formation, sobbing quietly. Cedric, despite his arrogance during teacher competitions, showed a rare softness. He approached her, placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, and offered quiet words of support. He knew her pain. He, too, had once failed to awaken. Eventually, she returned to her friends, who hugged her, tears in their eyes. There was nothing they could do. Class awakening wasn¡¯t something effort alone could achieve. A short moment of silence followed¡ªthe first failure was always heavy. The Principal gave Cedric a subtle nod. Darian didn¡¯t have time to wait on sentiment. There were many more students to go. Evan stood nearby, watching with narrowed eyes. He wasn¡¯t here just to observe. He wanted to see this Lucas¡ªpossibly his future rival. If the boy was a destined talent, it would be smarter to eliminate him early. A strong destiny given time was always dangerous. The ceremony continued. More students stepped into the formation, awakening to various classes¡ªKnight, Archer, Assassin, Mage, Brawler, Martial Artist. Others received vital support roles like Healer, Shield Bearer, Scout, Formation Master, and Trickster¡ªa rare class specializing in illusions and charm magic. There were auxiliary awakenings too¡ªBlacksmith Apprentice, Alchemist, Enchanter, Gardener, and Teacher. Then, came a moment that captured everyone¡¯s attention. A girl awakened as a Paladin¡ªa rare and noble class. Her visage revealed a radiant knight standing tall. Then, as if drawn by fate, the skies above the auditorium darkened. Thunder rumbled. A beam of pure light descended like a divine judgment. Darian raised his hand calmly, creating a transparent barrier across the ceiling. The light passed through it unhindered, striking the ground before the knight''s illusion. The knight grasped the sword of light, his figure blazing like a chosen champion. Moments later, the light faded, leaving behind a stunned audience and a class rank revealed¡ª The highest rank of the day so far. Darian nodded. ¡°This one¡­ I recommend her for the CGA.¡± With that, the awakening of Section One concluded. Eleven students had not awakened. None had surpassed ¡ªbut that was already a monumental achievement. The Principal, recalling a certain past incident, whispered to Darian, ¡°Let¡¯s move this outdoors.¡± Darian agreed. Minutes later, the students were gathered on the academy¡¯s main field. The formation was reassembled. The teachers grumbled among themselves. The Principal had insisted on the auditorium, despite their advice. Now, he avoided their glares, clearly embarrassed by the failure. Without delay, the awakening for Section Two began. ¡ª To Be Continued ¡ª Chapter 57: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [2] [14th Everdusk, 2103] The next to awaken were the students of Section Two¡ªa class known for its elite performers. Yet despite their stellar academic standing, every student knew that grades alone didn¡¯t guarantee a powerful class. The atmosphere buzzed with a strange blend of anticipation and anxiety. Everyone hoped to awaken¡­ but the looming fear of receiving nothing still weighed heavily. As the teacher stepped forward to begin the roll call, one student stood out¡ªcalm, confident, and utterly unfazed by the pressure surrounding him. Lucas Bennett. Class topper. Cold demeanor. 5''8", jet-black hair, piercing eyes. He had the kind of face that turned heads¡ªbut it was his attitude that made people stare. Unbothered. Nonchalant. As if the outcome didn''t matter in the slightest. Eyes naturally drifted toward him¡ªincluding those of the girl seated just behind. Lyra Dawnfield. Ranked second in the entire batch, she was normally the one who challenged Lucas at every turn. But today, even she was visibly tense. Standing before the class was Tess, who watched with quiet concern. She hoped every one of her students would awaken¡ªnot for school glory or rankings, but because she couldn¡¯t bear to see them broken under the weight of failure. She called the first name. A student stepped onto the stage, touched the crystal¡ªand a vision emerged. A baker in a cozy shop, frosting a cake with gentle precision. The boy''s eyes widened in delight. His family ran a bakery. This was perfect. The crystal revealed his class: a rank Culinary Artisan¡ªa high classification for a non-combat role. Cheers erupted from his peers as he stepped down, his friend clapping him on the back. One by one, the process continued. After twenty-one students, only twelve had awakened. The other nine walked off the stage empty-handed, their hopes momentarily dashed. Then came roll number twenty-two. Tess¡¯s voice rang out: ¡°Lyra Dawnfield, step forward.¡± Gasps and whispers followed her as she rose. With her silver-blonde hair, regal bearing, and ethereal beauty, she didn¡¯t look like a student¡ªshe looked like royalty. And in a way, she was. The heiress of the famed Dawnfield family¡ªone of the most powerful mage bloodlines in the nation¡ªLyra¡¯s presence at this school was an enigma. Some said she¡¯d lost to Lucas years ago in a junior championship and swore she¡¯d one day surpass him. Others suspected there was more to it than rivalry. She bowed respectfully to Master Darian, then turned toward the formation and placed her hand on the crystal. A crimson glow burst forth. Not red. Not blue. Crimson. Deep. Rare. Ominous. A silence swept over the audience as the light surged into the sky. Clouds gathered and swirled into black storm masses, just like earlier that day¡ªbut this time, something was different. From the heavens, a flickering light descended like dawn breaking over a battlefield. Then the sky tore open¡ªand a majestic phoenix plunged from the rift like a falling comet. Gasps erupted. People braced for impact. But the divine bird halted mid-air, hovering in radiant grace, before transforming into a mage-robed woman cloaked in dancing flames. Her very presence radiated arcane majesty. The crystal pulsed¡ªand a class name echoed through Lyra¡¯s mind. ¡°The Flame Witch.¡± She whispered it aloud, and the crowd heard. It wasn¡¯t a class anyone had seen before. Unique. Unprecedented. The energy it emitted... was terrifyingly potent. The ranking test began. Tess and Darian both held their breath. A moment later, the result blazed across the display: Rank. Silence. Then¡ªeruption. The students screamed. Teachers clapped. Even Principal Helia cracked a rare smile. Another genius. The school had gained a rising star. ¡°Looks like our queen¡¯s claiming her throne,¡± one student quipped, earning nods and laughter. ¡°She might actually outdo that smug number one,¡± another added, glancing at Lucas, who remained as calm as ever. Darian nearly stumbled in his haste to approach her, eager to extend an invitation to the CGA on the spot¡ªuntil Principal''s sharp gaze stopped him in his tracks. When he heard her full name, Lyra Dawnfield, he froze completely. No one from a noble family would join a government faction. The Dawnfields had their own guilds¡ªtightly controlled, fiercely protected. Attempting to recruit her would be political suicide. She stepped down, greeted by cheers and congratulated by Tess, then returned to her seat where her friends swarmed her with praise. And then¡ª ¡°Lucas Bennett, your turn.¡± He stood. Walked. Passed by Darian and the Principal with casual indifference, like he was strolling through a park. Then he stepped into the formation and placed his hand upon the crystal. Light burst forth from both crystal and body. Another awakening had begun. Tension crackled in the air. Would his class rival Lyra¡¯s? But then¡­ the light dimmed. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No visage. No phenomenon. Murmurs spread. Was this it? Suddenly¡ª A shimmering image emerged. A young man in a black and silver cloak, clad in armor made from both metal and enchanted leather. He floated in midair, holding a grimoire. A moment later, he opened it, releasing a wave of pressure so powerful that students staggered, teachers gasped, and even Darian¡ªa Tier 2 combatant¡ªwas momentarily frozen. It lasted only a second. But it was enough. Darian stared wide-eyed. A zero-tier youth just released pressure that shook a Tier 2? Impossible. But real. The crowd was silent again, stunned by what they had just witnessed. Even Lyra¡¯s eyes trembled. Her noble pride refused to yield¡ªbut deep inside, she sensed that Lucas¡¯s class might not just rival hers¡­ it might surpass it. The final stage began. The class ranking test. All eyes locked onto the display, breath held. Then, the result appeared. Not . Not . Not even . But¡­ A single question mark. The silence this time was suffocating. Was it broken? Was it too powerful to be measured? Was it¡­ something else entirely? No one had the answer. But everyone knew one thing¡ª Lucas Bennett was no ordinary prodigy. To be continued... A/N: The mystery deepens! What lies behind that rank? Make sure to follow and add this story to your library so you don¡¯t miss the next explosive chapter! ???? Chapter 58: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [3] [14th Everdusk 2103] The rank he received left the entire hall in stunned silence. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ªa single letter etched upon the crystal, its image projected for all to see. Gasps echoed before an outburst of laughter rippled through the crowd. Many students had expected someone powerful, perhaps even overwhelming. Instead, they got what they believed to be a side character in someone else''s story. Some of the younger students who had awakened ranked classes puffed their chests with pride, suddenly feeling superior. The Principal himself let out a faint chuckle, unable to mask his amusement. But not everyone joined in. Tess, Lyre, Lucas himself... and Evan. Even with the oppressive aura Lucas had radiated moments ago, Evan managed to suppress the unsettling grin tugging at his lips. That aura¡ªEvan had felt it before, in a different life. It was unmistakable. Dragon Fear. An aura no ordinary being could emit. Only someone with a draconic trait could produce such pressure... and now Evan was convinced: Lucas was not ordinary. The others hadn¡¯t recognized it simply because they¡¯d never faced a dragon. But Evan had¡ªon the battlefield of his past life. And if his instincts were correct, Lucas¡¯s future rank wouldn¡¯t just climb¡­ it would soar¡ªSSS-tier at minimum. Just as these thoughts flickered through Evan''s mind, a man stepped forward, blocking Lucas¡¯s path from the stage. ¡°Hey, kid. Mind if I ask you something?¡± Darian spoke, his tone friendly but laced with intent. Lucas paused, eyes flicking up lazily. ¡°Yes, sir? But please, don¡¯t waste my time with recruitment pitches. I¡¯m sure even a third-rate guild can offer something better than yours.¡± The room froze. Darian¡¯s smile twitched. ¡°Kid, watch your tone. I could crush you where you stand. You¡¯re nothing but an ant to me.¡± Lucas tilted his head slightly, voice sharp and emotionless. ¡°Then perhaps, sir, you should watch yours. Threatening a student with murder in broad daylight? That¡¯s... quite shameless.¡± ¡°What?¡± The Principal¡¯s voice slipped out involuntarily. Gasps filled the air. ¡°Did he just say that to Darian?¡± ¡°Lucas must¡¯ve lost his mind... maybe the rank broke him.¡± ¡°He¡¯s got brain damage for sure.¡± The whispers only fueled the tension. Darian¡¯s face turned red¡ªtomato red. ¡°Watch your mouth, boy!¡± Miriam hissed, stepping in to ease the tension. ¡°Apologize before you truly anger him.¡± ¡°But didn¡¯t you say we should save time for important things? He was wasting mine.¡± Lucas said, his expression the picture of calm innocence. ¡°You¡ª!¡± Miriam turned to restrain him, but it was too late. Darian¡¯s fury erupted. ¡°Listen here, brat,¡± he growled. ¡°You think you¡¯re some hidden prodigy? You¡¯re not. You¡¯ll crawl back after every guild rejects you, and when you do, then I might consider letting you in¡ªafter you grovel and beg.¡± Lucas met his gaze with a cold smile. ¡°Let¡¯s see who grovels first.¡± The hatred in Darian¡¯s heart blazed. The Principal stepped forward in a panic. ¡°Sir, please, let¡¯s discuss¡ª¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had enough,¡± Darian snapped. ¡°Miriam, finish the ceremony. Once it¡¯s done, place this mana slip on the crystal¡ªit¡¯ll activate the formation.¡± With a flick of his grimoire, Darian vanished, teleporting away without a trace. ¡°Lucas, what have you done?! Couldn¡¯t you just apologize?!¡± the Principal barked. Lucas blinked, seemingly dazed¡ªthen broke into a wild grin as if he''d just won the lottery. ¡°Lucas! Are you listening?¡± ¡°Oh, yes, sir. I was just thinking.¡± The Principal rubbed his temples. Miriam stood in silence, eyes narrowed. She considered fabricating an excuse to smooth things over with Darian later. ¡°Just¡­ go back to your seat and don¡¯t cause more trouble,¡± the Principal sighed. Lucas nodded and descended the steps, rejoining his section. ¡°Lucas, are you alright?¡± Tess asked gently. ¡°Oh, Tess¡ªI mean, Miss. I¡¯m fine. Just¡­ need to think.¡± ¡°Alright. Go sit down for a bit.¡± ¡°Yes, thank you.¡± He turned and walked off, heading toward a tree in the distance. Only one person saw the slight smirk that curled his lips. Evan. Eyes sharp, unblinking, watching him like a hawk watches prey. Every move, every breath¡ªEvan tracked it. And now, more than ever, he was certain. Lucas was his target. Elsewhere, Lyre¡¯s brows furrowed. Something wasn¡¯t right. Lucas had never been this confrontational¡ªespecially not with adults. His behavior was completely out of character. She began thinking of ways to help him¡­ unaware that the truth was far more complicated. The ceremony continued. The remaining students in Section 2 stepped forward one by one to awaken their classes. And with that, the stage was set for the next group. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Author''s Note: Hey guys! Hope you enjoyed this chapter~ The next one''s already cooking and will be up in just a bit, so stay tuned and enjoy the chaos I¡¯ve prepared! ???? Let me know what you think below! Chapter 59: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [4] [14th Everdusk 2103] A few minutes remained before Lucas¡¯s awakening would begin. {Lucas¡¯s POV} Hey there¡ªmy name¡¯s Lucas. And today marks four years since I was dragged into this world. It looks a lot like my original world, but it''s far more dangerous. Monsters now roam the land, and humanity was nearly wiped out after a strange energy¡ªmana¡ªinvaded our reality. Dungeons and rifts began tearing through space, and out poured chaos. Half of humanity? Gone. But then came the hunters¡ªpeople who awakened unique classes that allowed them to fight back. Thanks to them, the total collapse of civilization was narrowly avoided. It¡¯s been over eighty years since then, and now... it¡¯s finally my turn. Today, I awaken. When I first transmigrated, like any good main character, I tried everything to summon some kind of cheat¡ªa system, a golden finger, anything. But nothing ever showed up. Four years of waiting, and I got nothing. Still, I never gave up hope. Maybe I didn¡¯t get a system, but what if my class is some overpowered hidden one? Now here I am, standing in line, waiting for my name to be called. After Lyre¡¯s awakening, my expectations only grew. I had a feeling¡ªmy fate would be different. And then, right on cue, Miss Tess called out my name. (Not sweetheart kind of Tess, by the way... though that¡¯s a different story.) I walked up to the stage and placed my hands on the awakening crystal. Light burst through my eyes. Something stirred inside me. Something... shattered. I expected a visual change, some epic glow-up. Nothing. My heart sank. But just as despair crept in¡ªsomething incredible happened. [Draconic God Mage System] is now active. A compatible host with a latent dragon bloodline has been identified. Synchronization commencing¡­ 1%... 3%... 6%... 32%... 64%... 78%... 99%... 100% Synchronization complete. Current class is being dismantled. Assigning: Battle Mage [Growth-Type] The system will assist the host in ascending as the Supreme Dragon God. A talent voucher has been dispatched to inventory. Internal transfer of knowledge in progress. In that instant, something within me changed¡ªsomething draconic awakened. Even though I was still shown as an E-Rank Mage, I knew things were different now. This wasn¡¯t some trash class. It was a . There was more to this than what met the eye. But I quickly silenced the system¡¯s broadcast. Letting the world know I had a system this early would be a terrible idea. The moment the crystal displayed my rank, the audience laughed. Typical. But a few didn¡¯t¡ªTess, Helen, Lyre, and some unfamiliar boy. Their expressions weren¡¯t mockery. Sympathy? Pity? Maybe... respect? Either way, I knew better than to trust anyone yet. Even Old Darian approached me right away with a recruitment offer, but I turned him down. I needed time¡ªtime to grow without eyes watching my every step. As I walked off stage, Tess gave me that again for calling her by name in public. Annoying. She knew what we had. Two years ago, I saved her from some scumbags. Used a little trick to knock them out cold and carried her to safety. Ever since then... our bond grew deeper. She and I have been in a secret relationship since. Eventually, I¡¯ll make her happy. Alongside others, perhaps. Influential men don¡¯t have just one lover, do they? It¡¯s just the way of the world. Now, I sat at the back of the line, under a tree, watching others take their turn. Even Lyre, for all his power, was behind me now. I had something far greater. The last few classes were finishing up, and I figured it was time to check my rewards. ¡°System,¡± I muttered, ¡°open my talent voucher.¡± S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A wheel appeared, spinning rapidly across tiles of mystery and glowing colors. It stopped. Purple. Congratulations, host! Talent Gained: Draconic Insight (SSS Rank) I froze. An SSS-rank talent. Four years of waiting¡ªwas this the payoff? ¡°System, show me my status!¡± [Dragon God Mage System] ¡ú Status ¡ú Shop ¡ú Inventory ¡ú Quest I tapped on , and it bloomed to life before me. [Status] Name: Lucas Benett (Lucas Vale) Age: 18 Race: Human (98%), Dragon (2%) Class: Novice Battle Mage (Growth-Type) Title: None Level: 0 [0/100] Tier: 0 Talent: Draconic Insight (SSS) [Stats] HP: 100 MP: 130 STR: 11 AGL: 10 INT: 13 CON: 10 STA: 14 END: 17 Unassigned Points: 0 [Skills] ? Arcane Strike Lv.1 ? Mana Shield Lv.1 ? Fireball Lv.1 [Racial Ability]: Dragon Fear [Class Description] Novice Battle Mage (E Rank) A foundational hybrid class focused on enhancing physical combat with elemental magic. Though basic, this class evolves with the user, making it ideal for those aiming to master both magic and melee. Skills ¡ú : Imbue your weapon or fists with magical force, dealing bonus physical and magical damage. ¡ú : Create a temporary shield that absorbs damage. ¡ú : Launch a ball of flame that burns enemies and has a chance to apply a burn status. Perk: +10 stats per level-up [Talent: Draconic Insight (SSS Rank)] A legendary gift passed from ancient dragons. This talent allows the user to evolve any skill into its version, dramatically amplifying its power. Abilities: ? Dragon''s Voice ¨C Speak in the ancient tongue, amplifying skill damage and effects. ? Dragon''s Might ¨C Temporarily enhance all skill attributes. ? Dragon''s Curse ¨C Inflict debuffs through skills; enemies marked are more vulnerable. ? Dragon''s Wisdom ¨C Skills grow stronger the more they are used, adapting over time. This was it. I¡¯m not just overpowered¡ªI''m now. Let¡¯s see the quests too. [Quest 1: Journey to the Dragon God] Objective: Complete daily training for 30 consecutive days. Day 01: ? Push-ups: 0/100 ? Sit-ups: 0/100 ? Squats: 0/50 ? 10km Run: 0/10 Reward: +10 unallocated points Failure: -20% stat debuff for 3 days (stackable) [Quest 2: Be the First] Objective: Be the first to clear the dungeon raid. Reward: Basic Skill Scroll + 1% Dragon Bloodline Failure: -1% Dragon Bloodline I laughed to myself. This... this was just getting better by the second. To be continued... Author''s Note: Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed Lucas¡¯s awakening. Next chapter will return to Evan¡¯s class, and after that¡ªit¡¯s full steam ahead to the dungeon arc! Get ready for the real battles! Chapter 60: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [5] While Lucas remained engrossed in checking his status panel, the third section¡¯s teacher, Mr. Helen, had already stepped onto the platform, commanding the attention of his students. "Alright, students. Let¡¯s begin roll call. And remember¡ªno sad faces today," he said with a calm but firm voice. "Recall what I told you before we left the classroom." His reminder seemed to ease some of the tension hanging in the air, though unease still lingered in many young hearts. One by one, names were called. One by one, students approached the stage to undergo the class awakening. Compared to the prior class, Helen¡¯s students were showing remarkable results. Out of thirteen students so far, only two had failed. Four had even awakened combat-type classes¡ªtwo warriors, one archer, and one martial artist. Then came the fourteenth name. "Evan!" Lost in a web of thoughts, Evan didn¡¯t react. A sudden tug on his sleeve pulled him back to reality. He turned to find a classmate motioning frantically. ¡°¡­What?¡± he asked, slightly confused. The student pointed ahead. Mr. Helen stood there with arms crossed, irritation etched across his face. ¡°Evan, how long do you intend to daydream? We¡¯ve been calling you for a while.¡± Evan scratched the back of his neck with a sheepish smile. ¡°Sorry, sir. I guess I was just... nervous.¡± ¡°Hmph. Be more mindful, Evan. Life doesn¡¯t always offer second chances,¡± Helen said, though there was no real malice in his voice. He nodded toward the formation area. {Evan¡¯s POV} Ever since the awakening ceremony began, my mind had been busy spinning¡ªmostly about Lucas. He¡¯d probably gotten some kind of cheat skill or hidden class. Knowing him, he was likely smiling to himself like he¡¯d just won the lottery. But before I could entertain that theory any further, I was pulled back to reality¡ªliterally. My name had been called. I put on an awkward smile and stumbled through a clumsy excuse. Thankfully, Mr. Helen bought it, or maybe he simply understood. Either way, he let me proceed. I walked toward the formation with calm steps, though I could feel eyes burning into me from every corner of the room. ¡°Place your hand on the crystal,¡± Miriam instructed. ¡°Do not remove it, no matter how it feels.¡± I nodded quietly. The surface was cool to the touch¡ªrough yet smooth at the same time. Familiar. I had done this twice before. I knew what to expect. Or so I thought. The formation activated. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mana began surging into me, targeting my lower abdomen. After a few pulses, it crashed against something deep inside¡ªagain and again¡ªuntil finally, the internal barrier shattered. My mana veins opened. The moment I realized it, a fiery figure began taking form above me¡ªan ethereal silhouette wielding a blazing blade. Gasps echoed through the crowd. ¡°Is that¡­ a high-rank Magic Swordsman?¡± But just as the apparition solidified, it abruptly shattered. The image disintegrated into mana dust. Murmurs broke out. Some questioned the crystal. Others brought up Lucas¡¯s earlier anomaly. But I stood there, puzzled. Where was the usual notification for my awakened class? Just as Principal Miriam began stepping forward¡ª FWOOM! The crystal pulsed again¡ªthis time brighter. It was awakening me... again? I braced myself, preparing for another surge of mana. But what came next wasn¡¯t mana¡ªit was a sound. {Ding! The Nexus System is booting up...} {A message for the host has been detected. Click to open.} I hesitated, but my instincts whispered: I couldn¡¯t move my body anyway. I felt paralyzed¡ªlike my body had been frozen in time. {Message acknowledged. Opening contents...} {You have received several gifts from the higher being, #######.} {Would you like to open the gifts now? Please note: It may interfere with the current class awakening.} Yes/No {Opening gifts...} Gifts received: {Warning: Intrusion detected. Class Magic Swordsman (A-Rank) forcibly removed.} {Initiating new class awakening...} {Analyzing host compatibility...} {Current recommended class: too low for host. Choose this class anyway?} Yes/No {Error. Recommended class forcibly cancelled. Selecting new class¡­} ¡­ {Congratulations, host. You have awakened the class¡ª(?)¡­} I blinked. My entire body trembled¡ªnot from fear, but sheer disbelief. What kind of class¡­ what level of absurdity did I just obtain? My classmates stared, wide-eyed. Even Miriam had paused mid-breath. Principal Miriam¡­ took a step back. I was stunned. My lips moved, but no words came out. This... wasn''t just awakening. This was the beginning of something ¡ªTo Be Continued¡ª Let me know if you want the next part previewed or if you''d like a title idea for the mysterious new class ???? Chapter 61: The Path Awakens — Fates Revealed [6] [14th Everdusk 2103] The system''s last note made me flinch. What does it mean, suggesting I might not survive another day? It underestimates me. I''ll show this system that I can rise above them all. As I opened my eyes, the light that had enveloped me dimmed significantly, leaving only a few sparkles. It took a few minutes for this transformation. And now, a new figure stands before everyone. Indeed, it was a man dressed in a mage-like suit, who raised his staff, and from the ground, a few skeletons arose. Just by looking at them, one could surmise that the class was of a lower rank. They stood there, unarmored, a mere skeleton with a rusty sword in hand. I was certain that I would make the news tonight, with everyone possibly thinking I had acquired a dual class or something of the sort. And I was determined not to let that happen. {POV ends} "Umm, student, may I inquire about your class?" Principal Miriam asked, his face alight with excitement at the prospect of his theory being as true as everyone believed. "Oh yes, sir, ask away," he replied with a simple smile. "Ah, well, young man, what exactly occurred with you? What was that initial visage?" He posed the question directly, one that everyone was itching to ask, as Evan could see Lucas eyeing him with surprise from his spot. After all, who wouldn''t be thrilled at the prospect of awakening two combat classes? "Oh, sir, it was also displayed on my status screen that I initially received a Magic Swordsman (D) rank class, but the system also granted me a Necromancer (D) and asked me which class to remove since having two classes is restricted. So, I chose to remove the first one and keep the second, perhaps out of luck or maybe because something within me has a close connection with the second class, which is why it awakened. So, I chose it, and the first was removed from my status, and you can verify it if you wish," Evan explained, telling him a mix of lies and truths, even pretending that one could show their status to others, which was impossible without special skills. Thus, he played an innocent game with his teacher. "Okay, Evan, you had a choice between dual classes, but why did you forsake the first one and choose the lesser necromancer class? It is quite weak, and the Magic Swordsman is far superior, even at a low rank. And can you explain the connection you ''feel'' with the deceased?" He questioned Evan in a tone of anger, as if someone had just squandered their entire life. "Oh sir, perhaps the connection is that I visit my parents'' grave every day and spend time there, so I have this feeling and nothing else," Evan said. Then Miriam remained silent, having nothing more to add, knowing Evan''s condition. He quickly searched the date on his mobile after he first saw his Magic Swordsman class and discovered he was an orphan. "Hahhhh~~~~, okay, you can leave," he said, allowing Evan to walk down the stairs. "Are you okay, kid?" Helen asked him. He nodded and returned to his place to stand with the others. This time, however, they did not discriminate against him as before; now he was a true hunter, even as a necromancer. While Evan stood there, cursing his luck for abandoning a great class because of this strange hidden power within him. Two people watched him with suspicion. The first was Lyre, who knew it was rare for a person to have two classes, though not unheard of, as there were some individuals with dual classes moving secretly in society. She suspected Evan might be lying to escape, but she was determined to uncover the truth and perhaps persuade him to join her family guild. The other was Lucas, who was also interested in the boy, first when he did not mock him, and now, even more, after his awakening. He knew that during his class awakening, he had received his ''cheat,'' but perhaps this kid had something similar, like a dual class, which could allow him to advance twice as fast. He knew that those who awakened as Magic Swordsmen were never ranked lower than B grade. So, he decided to keep an eye on this kid, thinking it would be beneficial to recruit him into his team. After that, the rest of the class awakenings occurred, and to Helen''s surprise, her class had the most awakeners, with only eight kids failing to obtain a class. He was confident of receiving the bonus this time, and his happiness was palpable, yet two sections remained incomplete. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hours later, the event concluded, and Helen emerged as the predictable winner of the bet since her class had the fewest students who hadn''t awakened their abilities. His joy was twofold: not only had he won the bet, but his students also had the lowest rate of non-awakening in the class. The other teachers, envious and downcast due to Helen''s triumphant joy, couldn''t hide their emotions. Tess, who had no interest in the bet, appeared unaffected as she was left out of the wager and seemed normal, but her attention was elsewhere. She observed a student, Lucas, sleeping soundly under a tree, having dozed off uninterested after Evan''s awakening. The last student, a girl who had just acquired a (C)¡ªan auxiliary class¡ªwas overjoyed, as she had no desire for a combat class, and her dream had now come true. After she rejoined the line, and once she saw no other students approaching, Miriam placed the scroll given by Darian onto the crystal, and it vanished within. "Okay~~~~. Students, please now look at me, and I need everyone''s attention," he announced, noticing that the previously chatting students were now attentive. Tess, upon hearing this, hurried back to where Lucas lay and woke him up to listen to Miriam''s announcement. "So, students, I hope that after today, you will all strive to provide strong support for our country and humanity, regardless of whether you received a class or not. What I mean is, give your hundred percent whether you are a hunter, a regular person, or someone with an auxiliary class; all of you are vital to our society. I trust you understand this and will refrain from any reckless actions after leaving here," he explained, aware that sometimes students who didn''t receive a class might resort to desperate measures. "Now, for the next topic, those who have been assigned a class, please move to the right side, and those who haven''t, to my left," he instructed, as the students complied and moved to their respective places. As each student found their side, it was evident that the number of those who had gained a class was higher this year compared to the previous years. He was pleased with the increase, as it would likely lead to more donations for the school. "Those students who have gained a class today, please stay here; those who haven''t, you may leave¡ªyour parents might be waiting," he said, noting the disappointed faces but unable to change the already drawn line from this day forward. "The students should also be divided into combat, support, and auxiliary groups," he continued, as those who had gained a class split into three smaller groups. The combat group was the smallest, while the support and auxiliary groups were larger, with the auxiliary just slightly outnumbering the support. "Okay, so just eighteen students... ah, wait. The student who awakened the Necromancer class, please join the support group," he corrected, spotting Evan in the combat group. "Oh sir, I possess an offensive move, which categorizes me as a combatant," Evan stated, his confusion apparent. "Huh, but isn''t a necromancer purely a support class? How do you have an attack skill unless it''s a low-damage one? Please join the support group over there," he said, gesturing towards it. "Oh no, sir, I don''t have a necromancer attack skill, but rather a magic swordsman skill that remained in my class skills after its removal, as if the system forgot to delete it as well," he explained, while Miriam went from confusion to deciding not to tax his brain with this matter and just let it be. ''Got him,'' Lucas and Lyre thought, believing that he truly had a dual class. Lucas knew that after a class is removed, no skills should remain, so he suspected Evan was lying to protect his deception. Lyre understood this because she knew that without a class, one cannot learn skills from another class. Now, both harbored the same objective: to recruit Evan, who was oblivious to the fact that he was being targeted by the pair. -- To be continued -- A/N: What will become of Evan? Will he join the Lyre Guild or align with Lucas''s party? What''s going to happen? If you can predict the outcome, please share your thoughts as it could greatly assist in crafting a more intriguing story and understanding the readers'' perspective. Chapter 62: Beginner Dungeon [1] [14th Everdusk 2103] "Okay, students, divide into three groups: combat, support, and auxiliary," Miriam instructed as all the students who had awakened a class began moving toward their respective groups. Eighteen students were in combat, twenty-six in support, and thirty-five in auxiliary. This was a good turnout for a school like his. Miriam was quite pleased with the numbers, recalling that in previous years, the number of combat types had been quite low, never exceeding fifteen, and now there were three more. "So, students, we are now going to take you to the CGA branch where you will receive the gifts we''ve prepared for you, and the final test will also be conducted there. You all know what it is¡ªthe dungeon raid," Miriam announced with excitement, although the sentiment might not be shared by the students facing their first raid. Typically, hunters looking to level up employed three main methods: first, raiding a dungeon; second, hunting outside the city; and third, entering the Nexus rift, where a whole new world opened up to them. For preparation, the school had decided to initiate them with a dungeon raid. This would also assist in obtaining the necessary time-lapse records and provide an opportunity to evaluate the students. As he spoke, the teachers began escorting the children toward the buses that had been arranged. They had secured three buses, knowing that separating the children would be wise to prevent any disputes over seating arrangements. He still remembered how, a few years back, one bus was destroyed after a mage-class student attacked a support-type healer who simply wanted to sit beside him. The incident had cost him a significant amount of money, and the memory still pained both his wallet and his heart. Since then, he made sure every year to divide the students equally by type and have them seated with their own teachers, as they were the only ones who could manage them. And just like that, the students were ushered onto buses which then began to move towards the road from the school lane. They were heading towards the CGA branch in their city, which was quite massive compared to other buildings. It was only a small branch of the main one, yet it was so large that it was said five territories had been combined to form it, and its level of technology was much higher than anything else present there. An hour later, they finally began to see the building''s silhouette, and it was enormous. Indeed, the entire branch spanned about fifty square kilometers. It was immensely vast, not so much because of the building itself, which was not very large, but because of the dungeons settled beside it. It was said that there were many dungeons for hunters to use here, all within close range. They entered through the main vehicle gate, signed the entry log, and received passes to visit inside. Exiting the bus, they all started walking towards the main building located in the center of the area, while on the left side of the building there was a huge market. Hunters were buying and shopping for various loots and items generated from dungeon rewards. This market operated on a simple rule: if the seller needed money, they would receive money; if they needed a certain item, they could wait for it, as it was up to their own discretion and no one could force them. That''s what was good about this place; it made people rely more on the CGA rather than the guilds owned by other families or individuals. "Okay students, since today is your first visit to this place, please be attentive and don''t get lost, as it is quite a large area, you know," Principal Mariam instructed us, and all the students responded in unison. Many hunters and CGA staff members turned their eyes upon them, and their reactions varied. Some appeared thoughtful, as if reminiscing about their own early days, while others seemed annoyed by the disruption. Evan was particularly observant of his surroundings, knowing it would help him blend into the area when he will come back to issue for a hunter id. He must take the CGA examination and trials of hunters to prove his rank and obtain a hunter ID, which is essential here as nothing can be done within legal bounds without it. He needed the ID, but joining a different guild was not an option, as it required disclosing full hunter information. No prestigious guild would accept him without it, and he preferred not to work under a guild due to their numerous assignments like team raiding and individual quests for item collection, which he disliked. Therefore, he decided to remain an independent hunter affiliated with the association. He also planned to use a mask for concealment. You might wonder why he doesn''t use the mask to hide his status within the guild for better opportunities, but he prefers solitude over teamwork. He believes he and his summon, or the companion he acquires, can raid a dungeon alone. As they pondered this, they reached the bustling building filled with hunters and staff moving in all directions due to the high workload. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Miriam walked away, instructing everyone to wait as he went to fetch someone for an important step. "Well, guys, you''re all about to receive your hunter ID cards before the raid, and a gift afterward," Helen announced, exciting everyone except a few students like him, Lucas, and Lyre, who didn''t require such coddling. Evan considered returning tomorrow for the ID. However, if he were appraised, his abilities would be publicly revealed, making him a star and potentially attracting new enemies. "Sir, may I go to the was..." Evan began, intending to ask for the restroom to retrieve the mask from his inventory and use it for status concealment, but he halted as everyone saw Miriam approaching with a familiar figure¡ªDarian, who now held the formation scroll. "It seems the conflict between Lucas and Darian is far from over," Evan mused, realizing that Lucas might have to confront Darian again today. As Darian approached, his gaze fell on Lucas, who stood next to Tess. She attempted to shield him, fearing Darian might harm him. However, Lucas refused to cower. He was determined not to hide and to face Darian boldly. Evan was convinced that Lucas would hurl insults in this encounter too, cursing Darian and walking away with a deeper grudge, one that could evolve into a thirst for revenge after being humiliated publicly. It was the same clich¨¦d tale where the main character might enlist someone of higher rank to defeat or ensnare the antagonist, which would validate the antagonist''s wrongdoing and earn the protagonist respect and rewards for exposing a traitor within the organization. Evan was certain of Darian''s downfall if he didn''t intervene. He couldn''t allow Lucas to grow too powerful to touch, so it was best to remove the problem before it became unmanageable. And he was resolved to take action sooner rather than later. -- To be continued -- Add this to your library quick or you may lost this diamond like novel in the mountain of novels. Chapter 63: Beginner Dungeon [2] [14TH Everdusk 2103] Lucas, now confronting Darian before an audience, showed no signs of fear. He believed Darian wouldn''t dare attack or kill him. While Lucas smiled as if nothing was amiss, Darian''s face betrayed his struggle to contain his anger and not annihilate the insignificant pest before him. Darian knew the consequences of such an act; killing a newly awakened citizen would lead to severe punishment, possibly imprisonment, and the loss of his position. "Oh Mr... ah, I can''t seem to recall your name, sir. Would you mind reminding me?" Lucas taunted slightly. "You... hah, listen, kid, you still have time. Apologize to me now, and we can end our feud here and now," Darian, on the verge of saying more, noticed Miriam pleading with him from the side. "Huh, apologize? Perhaps you should see a doctor, sir, as I don''t recall any conversation about me apologizing to you," Lucas retorted, feigning confusion. I observed Lucas provoking Darian further, suspecting he had some strategy up his sleeve to be so bold. Such tactics are rarely used and likely have a cooldown period. I doubted Lucas had anything other than some system abilities to counter Darian''s powers. "Hah, it seems Miriam''s student will soon be hospitalized," Darian sneered, poised to move, while Lucas readied his counterattack. Before that could happen, a staff member appeared between them so swiftly that no one could perceive it, not even Darian, whose expression revealed his surprise. "Arah, it seems I''ve jumped in at an awkward moment," she said, her demeanor calm, yet everyone understood that if Darian was this intimidated by her presence, she must be formidable. I was certain that Lucas might use her to remove Darian from his path, or perhaps even eliminate him after gaining some power. "Oh, Mrs. Lilia Ashenbrook, I was unaware of your presence, or I would have come to greet you personally," Darian said, having initially thought he could act freely without alerting the vice branch manager. "There''s no need for concern, Sir Darian. I returned just a few minutes ago and saw you conversing with these students, so I came over to check in, that''s all," Lilia explained, admitting that managing a branch was exhausting and she often slipped away from work seeking amusement. "Then it''s fine, Ma''am. We''ve just arrived to issue these students their IDs, which will be beneficial for them," Miriam interjected, seizing the opportunity to engage with Lilia and establish a rapport. "And who might you be? Mr.~~~~~ ah, Miriam Westfield, I see. You have an impressive class in your care, a Master Educator (B Rank). Quite commendable for a teacher," she remarked, leaving Miriam astonished as he had not expected Lilia to recognize him. "Ma''am, it''s an honor to be known by someone of your stature," he replied with as much grace as he could muster. "Oh, Mr. Miriam, I believe there''s been a misunderstanding. I don''t know you personally; I simply have my ways of discerning the potential in your group, and I see some promising young talents," she said, her gaze turning sharply towards the students. I immediately lowered my head, hoping not to be noticed. As I know that some people in branch like those possess the skills to analysis your status. So I was just trying to find some time to pull out my mask and use it to hide my status and not get caught as if did then I was doomed to get find out and may who find me try to blackmail me and I don''t want to get into much bloodshed right now like I didn''t have got to kill my first monster and yet to start plan to kill some normal people. Then it would be not that good but what he can do in it. "So, you''re saying you''re one of the appraisers checking the status of hunters for promotion?" Miriam asked, nodding at the frustrated Darian who nodded back, properly introducing her. "Well, students, as you know, this is Lilia Ashenbrook, the branch manager of our city (DC-23) in Dyna Crest. She is also our only high appraiser. You might be lucky if she makes your IDs, so be sure to ask her nicely," he said, introducing her and trying to entangle her to avoid a lecture. "Wait, wait, are you implying I don''t have time...?" she interjected, realizing he was trying to rope her in. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh, manager, I must go; I have some work," he said, disappearing from his spot. "Geez, that old man left me here again," she grumbled, stamping her foot on the ground, leaving a noticeable dent in the tiles. Before she could direct the students to other appraisers, some people she always found annoying came running straight towards them for some reason. The people she disliked were the independent guild executives who came to recruit the students who had recently awakened into their ranks. Even though they were low in class grade, some were quite impressive, with a handful of C-ranks and even one B-rank among them. Lyre, the S-rank Flame Witch, wasn''t swarmed by them, as they knew trying to recruit her would almost certainly lead to their guild''s destruction. So now, every guild executive was buzzing around the newly awakened students like bees to newly blossomed flowers. They began querying the students about their class and started making offers, but only a few showed interest, as most students believed joining the CGA branch was a better option than joining a guild. Seizing the opportunity to escape, Lilia quickly disappeared in the direction of her office. She didn''t want to waste time making IDs for new students unless someone of a high or higher, like an grade, appeared; then she might consider it. Here, we observed that aside from a few students who were not engaged by the guild recruiters, Lucas, Lyre, and I were included. Lucas was there because he stood behind Tess, who acted as a barrier, preventing anyone from approaching him. Lyre was guarded by her own guild members. I was also at the back, away from the groups of students who were the main targets of all recruiters. After all, who would spend time on individual students when groups were available? This situation allowed Evan to take measures to safeguard his status. What he did was covert; he first moved his activities from here to somewhere quieter, and I knew where that was. And what he did was~~~~~~~~~~~. -- To be continued -- Chapter 64: Beginner Dungeon [3] [14TH Everdusk 2103] While everyone was busy avoiding the guild executives eager to recruit them, particularly those with Combat and Support classes, as they were a major asset for the guilds, Lucas and Lyre kept their distance. I hadn''t been approached by anyone, which suited me fine since I had no interest in getting entangled with them. I seized an opportunity and approached Miriam, who was busy fending off guild recruiters trying to enlist the girl who had awakened the Paladin class. He had just dismissed the fifth recruiter when I approached him. "Excuse me, sir, may I use the restroom?" I asked, to which he gave me a look as if I were a mental patient. "Have you lost your mind, boy? Can''t you see I''m busy? Do you really need to ask permission like a six-year-old?" he barked at me, drawing mocking glances from some onlookers. "It''s not that, Sir. I recall you instructing us not to wander off without informing you, so I was merely adhering to the rules," I replied, indifferent to the others'' mockery. "Yo... hah, alright, go but be quick about it," he conceded, and I nodded before walking off to attend to my matters. As I left, unbeknownst to me, I was being watched. Indeed, it was our main character Lucas and the female lead Lyre, observing me discreetly, unaware of their thoughts that I was concealing some truth. ''I suspect he''s trying to avoid being noticed by the association to avoid ID registration. But you can''t hide forever, Evan,'' Lucas mused, recalling his conversation with Tess earlier. While observing Evan, Lyre instructed a guild member to take action. Upon hearing her, the member trailed Evan towards the washroom. ''Well, Evan, try to run now. You won''t escape our guild; I''m determined to recruit you. Be prepared to work alongside me,'' Lyre mused, contemplating various strategies to secure his agreement to her proposal. Meanwhile, I made my way to the washroom to attend to some pressing matters before returning. Entering, I noticed several hunters engaged in various activities. After spotting an unoccupied booth, I stepped inside and settled onto the seat. Then, I opened my inventory to retrieve the mask I urgently needed. Indeed, the item I sought to use could facilitate my escape with ease by creating a mask. I decided to access my system, but to my surprise, another system appeared alongside the familiar Nexus Prime System, the standard system used by inhabitants of the Nexus world. This new system, the Eternal Omni-verse System, was of a much higher grade. Its comprehensive analysis suggested that the Nexus Prime System was significantly inferior, and the small portion accessible to others was even less significant compared to my system. Initially, I had planned to frequently utilize the Nexus Prime System and seldom resort to the Eternal Omni-verse System. However, the stark contrast between them has now become too great to ignore. __ [Nexus Prime System] (Status) (Inventory) (Quest) __ I was sure that even other golden finger should be good than this but what I saw in the Eternal Omni-verse System was too much like how much it can have in it. __ [Eternal Omni-verse System] (Status) (Inventory) (Quest) (Shop) (Points) (Achievement Hall) (Leveling Systems) (Bond Systems) (Bind systems) (Customization Panel) (Log/History) (Navigation System) (Scan) (Production Hall) (Armory hall) (Weaponry Hall) ..... >>>> Click to open more __ My eyes nearly popped out of my head when I saw the extensive list; there was even a large section dedicated solely to scan ability. It was beyond my comprehension. As I touched it, expecting a single panel, it split into multiple panels, each displaying different details about everything around me¡ªfrom the tiles to the door, the side wall, and even the seat I was on, along with intricate details of my clothes. I instantly closed the tab and was about to explore further when a message from the system caught my interest: __ {The system has detected that some functions have been damaged and require a complete shutdown to reboot and re-establish a stable connection with the main stream. The host is advised to use any necessary functions now before the system enters a hibernation period for a few weeks.} __ I was stunned by this message because if it were a malfunction, it would have displayed numerous things unnecessarily, like opening over a hundred tabs due to a single interference. I was skeptical and considered using the system''s scan feature to check the mask''s capabilities, as if in my previous life. Previously, I hadn''t used it carefully; the mask seemed incomplete, and I was merely scratching the surface of its potential. So, I decided to scan it with this system since the previous one was inadequate. Despite this, I chose to examine the item description once more, but it proved to be unworthy. __ [Nexus Prime System] {Name: ????????????? Grade: ??????? rank Type:???????? bond Description: ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Abilities: S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ???????? ????????} __ It wasn''t worth it at all, so I decided to try the other ability. I picked up the plain, transparent-looking mask and activated the system''s scan feature. Previously, I had only gained the ability to use it by chance when I accidentally bonded with it. It revealed something I had never been able to see before. __ {The system has detected a high-ranking item. The scan is in progress and may take a few minutes to complete due to a system malfunction.} __ As I waited for a few minutes, it displayed the result. It was something unbelievable, too significant for me to comprehend. __ [Name: Mask of concealment Grade: Ephemeral Rank (Upgradable) Type: Legendary Artifact (Growth-Type) Bond System: Soul-Bound Stage: 1 (Veil of Shadows) Description: Forged from the essence of shadows and ancient arcane secrets, the Mask of Concealment is a legendary artifact that adapts and evolves with its bonded wearer. It is said to be the ultimate tool for deception, infiltration, and survival. Its surface is smooth, dark as the void, and ever-shifting, subtly changing as it grows in power. Only those who form a soul-bond with the mask can wield its full potential, allowing it to transform in both ability and appearance. The mask feeds on the experiences and growth of its wearer, unlocking greater powers over time. Its full potential is said to rival the most powerful relics in existence. Abilities: ????????????] I was utterly shocked after witnessing its abilities. It made me wonder if I had been using the right thing before, or if they had only now given me the real deal, as it was giving me goosebumps. -- To be continued -- What did he see that gave him goosebumps? If you want to know, then wait until the veil is lifted and its beauty is revealed to us. But for that, you all have to wait a little longer. So goodbye, and don''t worry, we will all meet right here tomorrow, just like today. Chapter 65: Beginner Dungeon [4] [14th Everdusk 2103] What I saw was so astonishing that my eyes nearly popped out of their sockets; it was overwhelming to realize that the tool I had used before had such immense power, and to think that all this time I had only scratched the surface of its capabilities is just mind-blowing. __ [Name: Mask of concealment Grade: Ephemeral Rank (Upgradable) Type: Legendary Artifact (Growth-Type) Bond System: Soul-Bound Stage: 1 (Veil of Shadows) Description: Forged from the essence of shadows and ancient arcane secrets, the Mask of Concealment is a legendary artifact that adapts and evolves with its bonded wearer. It is said to be the ultimate tool for deception, infiltration, and survival. Its surface is smooth, dark as the void, and ever-shifting, subtly changing as it grows in power. Only those who form a soul-bond with the mask can wield its full potential, allowing it to transform in both ability and appearance. The mask feeds on the experiences and growth of its wearer, unlocking greater powers over time. Its full potential is said to rival the most powerful relics in existence. Abilities: {Stage 1: Veil of Shadows} Status Concealment Effect: Completely hides the wearer''s true stats, skills, and abilities from any detection or appraisal skills. Status Mold Effect: Allows the user to alter displayed stats, creating the illusion of different classes, power levels, or weaknesses to deceive enemies or allies. Memory Devour (: 0%) Effect: Consumes fragments of memories from those the wearer touches, allowing the user to extract knowledge, memory, or secrets. Limit: Can only store up to three memories. (Upgradable) {Stage 2: Phantom''s Guise} [Locked] Face Change (: 0%) Effect: Instantly changes the wearer''s facial features to mimic anyone they have seen. Advanced Feature: Can store up to five faces for instant reuse. Face Store Effect: Stores up to ten unique faces, each accessible at will. Faces can be altered or discarded as desired. {Stage 3: Eclipse of Identities} [Locked] Transformation (: 0%) Effect: Grants full-body transformation, altering height, build, gender, and even aura to perfectly match the target. Limit: Duration of transformation scales with user level but can last indefinitely when fully mastered. Voice Modification (: 0%) Effect: Perfectly mimics any voice the user has heard, including tone, pitch, and cadence. Advanced Feature: Allows the creation of entirely new, customized voices. {Stage 4: Mask of the Eternal Void} [Locked] Aura Cloak (: 0%) Effect: Completely suppresses or alters the user''s aura, allowing them to appear as weak, powerful, or even undetectable. Illusion Weave (: 0%) Effect: Creates realistic illusions around the wearer, projecting false surroundings or multiple false images of themselves. True Veil (: 0%) Effect: Allows the user to erase their presence from sight, sound, and even memory for a limited duration. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Passive Effects: Adaptive Evolution sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The mask adapts to the wearer''s environment with stealth to hide the mask on the face to use it however host want, while granting resistance to mind-control, charm, and fear-based effects of user rank. Soul Synchronization The mask''s power is directly linked to the soul-bond. The deeper the bond, the stronger the abilities. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It possesses twelve abilities, of which ten are primary and two are secondary. I was shocked because, in my past life, I only utilized two abilities from stage one and was never informed about the third one. "Hi system, can you tell me why I was only able to use two abilities all this time?" I inquired of the system, hoping it would have an AI to provide the answers that Nexus Prime did not. __ {} {.} __ "Huh, can you do this like real. As I thought that system can''t do something like this without any things in return like what you need it for." I asked as I remember that in my past life to bond with a simple growth type weapon, I have to give system my fifty levels to make it complete it. __ {.} {} {[]} {} __ The system didn''t say anything as I just didn''t say anything and wear the mask to start it. As just I wear the mask. The countdown appeared in system screen. __ {} {.} {} __ I feel a sting on my forehead like some sharp pointed needle pierced it and take some blood from it. I wanted to see what happened by the mask but stopped as system told me not to do it. __ {.} __ "Ouch~~~~~~~."Just as the system said like a pain like something cut my inside with magma blade like stuff, which was cause stinging into me. __ __ After receiving the notification, my body began to feel different, as if it had become completely paralyzed. I was unable to lift or move at all. Panic set in, and I was shocked. I tried to move, but to no avail. Then, something changed. The mask on my face began to wiggle wildly, transforming from solid to liquid. I was alarmed because it was on my face and could potentially stop my breathing. But to my astonishment, instead of covering my face with the liquid substance, it dissolved as if it had never been there, which was quite unusual. I attempted to touch the mask, but it was as if it didn''t exist. A few minutes later, I began to regain sensation in my limbs and they started to function again. I sat up straight instantly and reached for the mask on my face, but it was gone, as if it had never been there. "Hey system, where is my mask? Did something go wrong with the system that caused it to dissolve?" I inquired of the system, which had been silent since the soul bond commenced. __ { {} __ Nothing appeared next, which was unexpected. I was initially shocked, but then I realized I had the complete information in my hands. Now, I was confident that I could use this mask on my own. As soon as I thought about it, the mask reappeared on my face by itself. It started off transparent, then transformed into a black surface with red tendrils emerging on its own, as if adapting to me. It looked quite imposing when I took it off to examine it. Thinking about it again, the mask dissolved into my hands and reappeared on my face like some cool piece of equipment. __ Chapter 66: Beginner Dungeon [5] [14th Everdusk 2103] Inside the toilet booth, I fiddled with my mask while a man outside, waiting for something, stood by patiently. Indeed, it was a member of Lyre''s guild, obeying her orders to shadow Evan into the restroom and monitor whether he attempted escape. Yet here he remained, confined within the stall, and the guild member''s patience was turning to irritation. How could anyone spend so much time in a restroom at this late hour? ''Why am I stuck here? Couldn''t the miss have assigned me another task? Watching this kid is tedious. I could be soloing an E-rank gate right now,'' he mused, inwardly grumbling at Evan, who sat idly on the toilet. ''Maybe it''s time to check my status; I haven''t looked at it in a while. Better adjust it to avoid any issues here,'' I contemplated, accessing my system, excluding the one undergoing a reboot. __ [Nexus Prime System] () () () ____ [] Name: Evan Ravencall (Evan Windstone) Race: Human (100%) Age: 18 Title: Limit Breaker Rank: Tier 0 Level: 01 Class: Necromancer (D), Mage (E), Weapon Master (F), Blacksmith (B)[Locked], Alchemist (S)[Locked], Rune Enchanter (S!)[Locked] Talent: Plunder (?), Infinite Evolution & Enchantment (?), Supreme Adaptation (?), Transcendent body (?) [Locked], Replica of Halo of Luck #######(?) [Locked] ~~~~~ {Stats} : 90 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) : 110 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) 6 9 9 11 7 5 Unassigned Stats: 00 18[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 16/17 [MAG: 11*1.5] 12 [DEF: END+STA*1] ~~~~~~~ Abilities: [- Elemental Manipulation (SSS)] Skills: None Classskills: {Undead Summon (Lv. 1), Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 1), Shadow Bolt (Lv. 1)} {Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1), Mana Shield (Lv. 1)} {Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv.1), Power Slash (Lv. 1), Quick Swap (Lv. 1)} ~~~~~~~~ {Inventory} - Unknown vial - Mysterious egg - Unknown Bloodline vial __ Upon viewing his status, he was astounded beyond belief. If he were to reveal this to others, he might be hailed as the most formidable genius ever known, surpassing all with six classes and five talents¡ªa level of potential growth unheard of before. The ability tab, too, was an unprecedented feature in the Ceruleth World. Thus, he chose to tailor the status to his liking, omitting numerous elements. The outcome, in fact, was quite impressive. __ [] Name: Evan Ravencall Race: Human (100%) Age: 18 Rank: Tier 0 Level: 01 Class: Necromancer (D) Talent: None ~~~~~ {} Health Points (HP): 90 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) Mana Points (MP): 110 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) Strength (STR): 6 Agility (AGL): 9 Vitality (VIT): 9 S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Intelligence (INT): 11 Endurance (END): 7 Stamina (STA): 5 Unassigned Stats: 00 Attack Power: 18 {Physical} [ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 16/17 {Elemental} [MAG: 11*1.5] Defense: 12 [DEF: END+STA*1] ~~~~~~~ Skills: None Classskills: {Undead Summon (Lv. 1), Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 1), Shadow Bolt (Lv. 1)} {Power Slash (Lv. 1), Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1)} ~~~~~~~~ {Inventory} -None __ The statue appeared ordinary, and I appreciated it because it meant no one would interfere with his path. My array of skills as a magic swordsman fit perfectly with it. My primary necromancer class has three skills, which is the standard starting point, except for some fortunate individuals who begin with four or five. With my D rank, I should be able to unlock a maximum of three to four additional skills for a while. The skill unlock system is quite stringent for those in the lower grades, whereas those in the higher grades can easily unlock ten to fifteen skills from their class tree. While reviewing the class skills, my attention was drawn to the third set, belonging to the weapon master class. I examined the skills and noted that one was passive, another active, and the third a combination of both. In my view, it was a decent class as it offered a variety of weapons to use, but its low grade didn''t quite inspire enthusiasm. I considered it a supplementary class. After glancing over my edited window, I nodded and decided to leave the booth where I had spent a considerable amount of time. Stepping out, I noticed someone washing his face, dressed in attire resembling that of a high-class guild. I was certain I hadn''t seen him here before, but it was of no concern to me. With that thought, I walked away from the restroom. While I hadn''t noticed the man''s surprise at seeing me emerge, as soon as I did, he immediately relayed something about me through his Bluetooth device, which might have been powered by mana since electricity seemed non-existent these days. Unconcerned, I walked out of the restroom to see the guild members who had come to recruit students leaving with disappointed expressions because the teachers had not permitted any students to join them. I looked for the guild of those two who harassed me constantly, but they were nowhere to be found. I suspected that maybe the branch had barred their entry due to their low reputation. I observed some students feeling downcast for not being able to join the guild, while others were pleased. When I glanced at Lucas, who was coincidentally looking my way, he quickly averted his gaze as if he hadn''t seen me. I was certain he wouldn''t join any guild and would instead become a CGA hunter, forming his own so-called harem party. How can someone profess to love so many girls equally? I despise those guys. As I looked around, the same man from the restroom approached Lyre and whispered something to her. She nodded and scanned the room, her gaze briefly meeting mine and Lucas'', though we were unaware of it. I was elated that I was finally ready for the test and about to become a member of the CGA, not just another member of those detestable guilds. While I was lost in thought, I noticed Lucas staring at me before he started walking towards me, though I couldn''t fathom why. "Hey bro, can you listen to me for a second?" he said. I looked at him, feigning ignorance. "Sure, what can I do for you?" I replied, suppressing the urge to dismiss him immediately, as I had an inkling of what he was about to propose. "Hey bro, would you consider joining a party after the dungeon activities?" he inquired. Initially, I wanted to decline, but then an idea struck me to deal with Lucas, whom I considered a nuisance. "Well, I''m planning to go solo for the initial levels, then maybe I''ll consider joining a team if I find a good fit," I responded, trying to appear inspirational. "Okay then, I wanted you on my team, but if you prefer going solo for now, that''s fine. Here''s my number; call me if you decide to join," Lucas said, about to leave when Lyre suddenly appeared before us. "Hi Lyre, what brings you here? Interested in joining my team?" Lucas asked her, oblivious to the fact that she was the GuildMaster''s daughter, as if she were a mere stranger. "Lucas, be quiet for a moment and listen to what I have to say," she commanded. Lucas immediately fell silent, and I followed suit. "Pay attention, both of you..." she began, saying something that left all the students around us in utter shock. -- To be continued -- Chapter 67: Beginner Dungeon [6] [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. "Lucas, be silent for a moment and heed my words," she commanded. Lucas complied immediately, and I did the same. "Both of you, pay attention," she began, her words sending a wave of shock through the surrounding students. "Out with it, Lyre. I dislike suspense," Lucas interjected, receiving a glare that could silence even the boldest. He stepped back, remaining quiet. "Here''s the deal, boys: join my guild and be part of my team..." Lyre was mid-sentence when I interrupted her. "Sorry, not interested," I declared, walking away and leaving Lyre speechless as I headed towards the principal''s office. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ah, Lyre, I feel the same. I''d rather not join a separate guild; it can get messy, and I''d prefer to avoid that. So, thank you for the offer, but no," he added, following my lead towards Tess. The students began to murmur, wondering why we had declined the offer. It wasn''t that her guild was inferior; on the contrary, it was highly esteemed, admitting only those with a class rank above C. The guild, known as , held the 100th rank globally in Ceruleth. While it might not seem impressive at first glance, considering the myriad of guilds emerging and growing in power daily, maintaining a strong position at the 100th rank indicated its strength. Otherwise, it would have declined this year. Yet now, two novices, not even of high rank, had spurned the invitation of this formidable guild led by the GuildMaster''s daughter. This blunder could very well become the talk of the city. Lyre was still in shock, enraged yet unable to act due to their own responsibilities. "Lucas, you may get away for now, but I swear, I, Lyre Dawnfield, will surely bring you into our guild, Evan," she declared as she walked away to join her guild members. After everything had settled, the Principal decided to gather all the students to receive their CGA IDs. "Okay, students, follow me to the inspection area to get your IDs," he instructed, and all the students began to follow him like sheep. After a few twists and turns, they reached the hall where several people sat behind their desks, busy with their tasks. There were exactly five desks, each equipped with the necessary items for the identification check. "Okay, students, please form five lines and approach the appraisers," he directed. The students moved towards them and divided into five lines; I was in the third line, Lucas was in the first, and Lyre was absent since she wouldn''t become a hunter in CGA¡ªafter all, if your father is the guildmaster, why would you need to be a member of the government? Everyone was being registered in the database as their true status was verified by their skills. When Lucas''s turn came, he was easily recognized as a Battle Mage (E). When my turn arrived, Lucas and Lyre''s eyes were on me like predators eyeing their prey. "Hello," I greeted the man who looked somewhat bored, to say the least. He didn''t respond to my greeting; instead, his eyes glowed faintly as if he had used his skill, and he began to write down everything he observed. The data he entered on the registration form was as follows. __ Name: Evan Ravencall Race: Human Class: Necromancer (D) Rank: Tier 1 Level: 1 Talent: None Skills: Undead Summon, Bone Fang Strike, Shadow Bolt, Power Slash, Arcane Bolt Note: The ability to sustain two skills from different classes could make him a valuable seeded hunter for the Branch. It is recommended to recruit him into the CGA. __ That''s just the way it is, nothing more, but there may be an issue when I should have six classes in my section and five talents with quite a good reputation. I imagine this guy''s eyes would have popped out of his head. But now, it was as normal as can be. The Nexus Prime system didn''t even receive the proper status update. Now I understand why they referred to our system as quite backward compared to the Eternal Omni-Verse System, which is more like hell and heaven, not heaven and earth. It was like comparing one billion to one. He was eager to see more of its functions and how it described his status. Unfortunately, he had to wait because it was about three months until the next reboot shutdown. So, he let it go and looked at the card ID he received after everyone had their appraisal completed. In some corner, Lyre was waiting for someone to arrive as a guild member came and handed her some papers. These showed the appraisal results for Evan and Lucas. Evan was clear, except his skill set included two extra skills that didn''t match his class, causing Lyre to wonder if he was being truthful or if he was still concealing his primary class by some means. She decided to investigate this later while Lucas''s report lay before her. __ Name: Lucas Bennett Race: Human Class: Battle Mage (E){?} Rank: Tier 1 Level: 1 Talent: None. {!} Skills: Arcane Strike, Mana Shield, Fireball [Note: It is not recommended to allow him to join the CGA due to low potential and a high chance of elimination before the first ascension.] __ Upon reading the note and founding that something was amiss in the Lucas status, she was convinced that there were hidden meanings in the statuses of those individuals and was determined to uncover them before she could rest easy. Observing that everyone had received an ID card, she anticipated the forthcoming events and instructed her assistant to retrieve the item her parents had arranged for her. The assistant acknowledged with a nod and departed, leaving her in solitude. She noticed Miriam''s elation as he was about to receive backing from a senior officer like Darian. "Listen up, kids," he announced, "for your inaugural dungeon raid. I''ve arranged some gifts for each of you that will aid in your quest. Be sure to accept these tokens I''ve prepared." With a clap of his hands, attendants arrived, bearing cardboard boxes, from which various items protruded, making it clear to all what they contained. And the item that was unveiled was... -- To be continued -- Chapter 68: Beginner Dungeon [7] [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. Several boxes lay before the combat and support class students, as the auxiliary class had already been escorted away. Miriam noticed the students'' puzzled expressions and walked towards the boxes. Lifting the lids, she revealed chain mail armor in one, basic weapons for all classes in another, and support class items like wands, staves, shields, small daggers, and more in the others. "Students, in celebration of our school''s improved classes this year, we have decided to present you with these beginner gifts," he announced, prompting smiles from some students, while others stood emotionless, likely because many had parents who were hunters and could afford to provide their children with such equipment. Those with eligible parents were relieved, having anticipated the need to make expensive purchases. Miriam gestured for the teachers to distribute the items to those in need. Tess, Helen, Marlo, and Cedric assumed this duty, while Vaedin attended to the auxiliary class students. As the principal''s gifts were accepted or declined, the attention shifted to Lyre''s assistant, who had arrived with an item in hand. It was a ring that drew everyone''s gaze, a special ring well-known to all, sparking curiosity as to why it was now the center of attention. Yes, it was a spatial ring used by high society people. Some may wonder why they used it if the system already had an inventory. Not all high society individuals had access to this system, so they devised this method to store items, and it proved to be quite successful. It became very useful even for those who had not awakened their class, as only those who had awakened a class were eligible for the system. As a student from a family without the means to purchase these items, I was quite pleased, as I hadn''t even considered this possibility. "First, let''s acquire the items, then use them to earn money and obtain more," I thought. When Helen approached me with the items, I chose armor and a sword. He looked at me, puzzled. "Evan, why aren''t you picking a staff instead of a sword?" he asked. It was a reasonable question since I was a necromancer class individual and should have chosen a staff. "Sir, my skills require a sword, and I don''t think I can carry both a staff and a sword. So, I might as well choose what''s best for me right now," I explained, which seemed to confuse him momentarily, but he let it go and moved on to distribute items to other children in need. I donned the chain mail and placed the sword in my inventory, which had thirty regular spaces. It was partially full, but before adding the sword, I checked my system to see its stats. __ {Basic Chain Mail Chestplate Type: Armor (Chest) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A beginner''s chain mail chestplate crafted from low-grade iron, designed for minimal defense. It provides adequate protection against weak physical attacks, suitable for those just starting their journey. Attributes: Defense: +5 Durability: 50/50 Weight: Moderate Special Notes: No additional effects or enhancements.} {Basic Iron Sword Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat. Attributes: Attack Power: +7 Durability: 40/40 Weight: Light Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.} __ The weapon was basic and unremarkable, yet it was better than being unarmed, representing the lowest tier of equipment. In contrast, Lyre stood out, clad in a mage''s attire, wielding a three-meter staff topped with a large crystal, beneath which runes were etched, indicating its high rank¡ªlikely a or perhaps even an grade item. Such opulence wasn''t surprising given her father''s status as a GuildMaster. {Check the auxiliary chapters for the item ranking system} Her smirk, directed at Lucas and me, seemed to convey a message of triumph for rejecting her earlier offer, suggesting we would regret not joining her. Ignoring her, I surveyed the area, noting many students equipped with superior items. Nevertheless, I was confident in my ability to acquire similar gear in time. Lucas, too, had armed himself with a sword and chainmail armor, likely chosen to complement his class''s elemental abilities and future upgrades. I realized the urgency of advancing my own capabilities to prevent him from becoming too formidable an opponent. Despite this resolve, I couldn''t shake off a persistent chill and the unsettling feeling of being watched, as if by a predator. This sensation had been absent in the solitude of the restroom, but now it returned, stronger than before. Scanning the crowd for any signs of animosity directed at me yielded nothing, yet the feeling of unease lingered. Lucas and Lyre sighed softly as they executed the move, while Evan looked around, unaware that he was being watched. After the distribution was complete, Miriam gathered everyone and led them to the dungeon area they had seen earlier. For many, it was their first glimpse of the dungeons; they had never been close enough before, but today they were all going to enter one. The excitement was palpable, yet so was the nervousness about the potential dangers. They approached an area where the dungeons were smaller in size, which also indicated their strength, measured by the mana emanating from them and their physical dimensions. "Students, or should I say raiders, we are here for your first raid. I have prepared a gate for you all, which leads to a beginner''s dungeon. Let our guide introduce its description to you," Miriam announced, stepping aside for a staff member responsible for the dungeons to come forward. He was a fifty-year-old man with a scar on his cheek. "Raiders, pay close attention, as today is your first day of raiding. I will grant you the privilege of this information, so listen carefully," he began, as all the students focused on the information being shared. "This dungeon is designed for all novice raiders, and the information is now before you," he concluded, as a hologram materialized in front of the group, displaying: Dungeon Name: Verdant Hollow Type: Forest Dungeon S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Recommended Rank: F Location: Deep within an ancient forest filled with overgrown vegetation, hidden dangers, and eerie sounds. Dungeon Lore: Once a sacred grove, Verdant Hollow was corrupted by dark forces. Now, it teems with dangerous creatures, led by a Hobgoblin warlord. Brave adventurers who conquer this dungeon will prove their mettle and claim the hidden treasures. Dungeon Layout: The dungeon has three stages, each increasing in difficulty with more dangerous creatures and natural hazards like poisonous plants, pitfalls, and dense foliage. Stage 1: The Slime Grove (Lv. 1-4) Description: A lush, vibrant area with glowing mushrooms and shallow pools of water. Slimes and monkeys roam freely, ambushing unwary adventurers. Enemies: Green Slimes (Lv. 1-2) Slow-moving blobs that attack with acidic touches. Forest Monkeys (Lv. 3-4) Agile creatures attacking from trees and vines. Stage 2: The Wildfang Den (Lv. 5-8) Description: A dark, twisted section of the forest where the undergrowth is thick, and the air feels heavy. Wolves and serpents lurk in the shadows, waiting for prey. Enemies: Forest Wolves (Lv. 5-6) Fast, coordinated pack hunters. Venomfang Serpents (Lv. 7-8) Stealthy snakes that blend into the environment. Alpha Wolf (Lv.10, Mini Boss) The leader of the wolf pack, quite crafty and sly beast be cautious or won''t know when killed. Stage 3: The Goblin Nest (Lv. 9-10) Description: A large clearing with makeshift goblin huts and fire pits. Goblins patrol the area, and the Hobgoblin warlord commands them from a crude throne. Enemies: Goblins (Lv. 9-10) Small but vicious, armed with crude weapons. Hobgoblin Warlord (Lv. 12-13, Boss) A massive, armored goblin wielding a heavy club. Final Boss Objective: Defeat the Hobgoblin Warlord and destroy the Goblin Totem to break the dungeon''s curse and claim victory. The document was meticulously detailed, including images and descriptions of every enemy within. "Let''s go over the details. The dungeon, known as Verdant Hollow, unfolds across three stages. The first stage pits you against slimes and monkeys, which you must defeat to advance. Upon clearing this stage, two portals will appear: a green one to return and a blue one leading to the second stage. If you''re not feeling confident, it''s better to retreat than to press on unprepared. In the second stage, you''ll encounter forest wolves and venomfang snakes. These creatures are more challenging, requiring strategy and caution to overcome. Defeating them allows you to face the mini-boss, whose defeat is necessary to progress. Remember, once you enter the third stage, there''s no turning back. The final stage introduces goblins and the ultimate boss, the hobgoblin. Triumph over these foes, and you''ll emerge as victorious raiders. Fail, and it''s the end of the line," he concluded, summarizing the dungeon''s challenges. Which was quite okay, as I remember that in my past life, no one provided such a good summary of the dungeon on our first attempt. "Are you all ready?" he asked, as all the students erupted in a roar. "Yes, we are ready!" all the students exclaimed in excitement and began entering the dungeon one by one, which was not slow as those who went in teams entered simultaneously, and those who entered alone did so individually. Lucas nodded at me and walked inside. "Like, hell dude, am I your girlfriend or something?" I thought to myself, reassured by his gesture. While I was pondering, two students approached me with light steps. I looked at them as one extended his hand towards me for a handshake and said, "Hi, my name is Dain. I am a shield bearer, and I wish to form a party with you for raiding the dungeon with this friend of mine, Mira, who is a healer. We both are rank like you, so do you want to join?" He said with a sweet smile. At first, I glanced at his hand, then at his face, and replied, "Sorry, bro, I''m going to raid alone, so please find someone else." I seized the opportunity and entered the dungeon, leaving them behind. "What? He didn''t accept, even though he''s a rank necromancer? Did you see his ego, Mira?" Dain said as Mira just sighed, and they went to find another person to join. Luckily, a swordsman of rank agreed. They entered together, and that''s how the journey truly began for all these students. Above the dungeon, the names of all the students started appearing with three dots, the first in green and the other two dull, with a number count starting behind them. Yes, it was the board where they would know who died, who passed which stage, and how much time they took to clear the dungeon. -- To be continued -- Hey guys, I hope you liked the chapter. The dungeon is about to start, so be attentive and add it to your library to get notifications of new chapters. Also, I am working on a project for audio novel videos of this novel on YouTube, so I will notify you all when it happens. Chapter 69: Beginner Dungeon [8] & Skills [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. Each participant entered the dungeon individually, displayed on a screen that indicated who had perished, who had advanced through each stage, and the time taken to clear the dungeon. In one such instance, I found myself landing on the ground just as the entrance portal closed behind me, leaving me isolated within. Being a necromancer and alone is not particularly perilous here, given that my class is a blend of offense and support. My ability lies in summoning skeletons to battle on my behalf, allowing me to progress by leveraging my skills. I was content with this class, although my former class as a Magic Swordsman was also formidable. However, as a necromancer, I can stay out of combat until I am strong enough to enter the fray. I conjured my sword, grasping it in my right hand, and then called upon my system to view the descriptions of my skills. __ [] Name: Evan Ravencall (/Windstone) Race: Human (100%) Age: 18 Title: Limit Breaker Rank: Tier 0 Level: 01 Class: Necromancer (D), Mage (E), Weapon Master (F) Talent: Plunder, Infinite Evolution & Enchantment, Supreme Adaptation. ~~~~~ {Stats} : 90 (Regen: .45/minute = 9*.05) : 110 (Regen: .55/minute = 11*.05) 6 9 9 11 7 5 Unassigned Stats: 00 18 + 7, MAG: 16/17 DEF12+ 5 ~~~~~~~ Abilities: [- Elemental Manipulation (SSS)] Skills: None Classskills: {Undead Summon (Lv. 1), Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 1), Shadow Bolt (Lv. 1)} {Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1), Mana Shield (Lv. 1)} {Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv.1), Power Slash (Lv. 1), Quick Swap (Lv. 1)} ~~~~~~~~ __ For the time being, it was satisfactory as the system removed the unnecessary, locked items, displaying only those that were unlocked. I chose to view the skill descriptions by tapping on them, which helped me decide which one to use. __ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Undead Summon (Lv. 1) Type: Active Mana Cost: 30 MP Cooldown: 15 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Summons a basic undead creature to serve as a temporary minion. The undead will fight for the summoner until destroyed or dismissed. The creature summoned depends on the user''s Necromancer class progression and available materials. Summon Type: Skeleton Warrior (Basic Tier). Duration: 20 minutes or died from attacks. Stats: Health: 50% of the caster''s max health. Strength: 50% of the caster''s Strength stats. Agility: 50% of the caster''s Agility stats. Defense: 40% of the caster''s Defense. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 1) Type: Active Mana Cost: 10 MP Cooldown: 10 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Summon a jagged fang of bone imbued with dark energy to strike a target. The attack pierces defenses, dealing both physical and dark magic damage. Upon impact, the bone fang splinters, causing additional damage over time. Damage: Physical Damage: 50% of the caster''s physical attack. Dark Magic Damage: 50% of the caster''s magic attack. Effects: Piercing: Ignores 10% of the target''s defense. Bone Harvest (Passive): If the skill kills the target, recover 10% of the mana cost. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Shadow Bolt (Lv. 1) Type: Active Mana Cost: 20 MP Cooldown: 8 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Unleashes a bolt of concentrated shadow energy at a target, dealing dark magic damage. The bolt carries a chance to inflict , briefly slowing the target''s movement. Damage: Dark Magic Damage: 100% of the caster''s magic attack. Additional Effect: Shadow Bind: Reduces the target''s movement speed by 20% for 3 seconds. (Chance: 25%) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1) Type: Active Mana Cost: 15 MP Cooldown: 6 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Fires a concentrated bolt of pure arcane energy at a single target. The bolt homes in on its target, ensuring high accuracy. Ideal for finishing weaker enemies or dealing consistent damage in combat. Damage: Magic Damage: 80% of the caster''s magic attack. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~` Skill: Mana Shield (Lv. 1) Type: Active Cooldown: 12 seconds Mana Cost: 30 MP (initial activation) Proficiency: 0% Description: Creates a protective barrier of condensed mana around the user, absorbing incoming damage by converting it into mana consumption. Ideal for mitigating physical and magical damage in critical situations. Effect: Damage Absorption: Converts 1 point of damage into 2 mana consumption. Duration: 10 seconds or until the shield absorbs damage equal to 50% of the caster''s maximum mana. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 1) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 0% Description: A passive skill that increases the user''s effectiveness with all weapons, providing enhanced accuracy, damage, and speed based on the weapon type currently equipped. Effect: Accuracy Boost: Increases hit chance by 5% with all weapon types. Damage Boost: Increases weapon damage by 10%. Attack Speed Boost: Increases attack speed by 5%. Weapon Proficiency: One-Handed sword: F (1%) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Power Slash (Lv. 1) Type: Active Cooldown: 10 seconds Mana Cost: 15 MP Proficiency: 0% Description: A powerful, wide slash that channels the user''s strength into a single strike, dealing heavy physical damage to all enemies in its path. Ideal for breaking through defenses or clearing multiple weaker enemies. Effect: Damage: 120% of the user''s physical attack. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skill: Quick Swap (Lv. 1) Type: Active Cooldown: 5 seconds Mana Cost: 5 MP Proficiency: 0% Description: A swift ability that allows the user to instantly switch between equipped weapons, enhancing their versatility in combat. Ideal for adapting to changing battle conditions or combining weapon types for various effects. Effect: Weapon Swap: Instantly switches between the user''s currently equipped weapons (melee, ranged, or magic). Speed Boost: Reduces the time it takes to switch weapons by 50%. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ __ Gazing upon the potential of my abilities, I began to strategize their use in battle. Suddenly, a force struck me with such speed that before I could comprehend, my body doubled over and I expelled various fluids. I quickly realized what had happened; it wasn''t poison, for I would have detected it, but rather the nausea that comes with one''s first teleportation into the dungeon. I was certain everyone had experienced it by now, but my reaction came late. My mind was prepared, yet my body succumbed to the sensation before regaining a sense of normalcy. Some time later, I took deep breaths of fresh air to improve my mood, even as the sour taste of vomit lingered in my mouth. "Huh, let''s move before more monsters arrive," I said, urging myself to leave the area as the presence of monsters felt overwhelming, making it a necessity to move. Certainly, some might wonder why I didn''t join that team. They were competent, but sharing the experience points among all members would slow my leveling significantly, requiring the defeat of several monsters instead of just a few. That was my reason for preferring to level up solo before joining a team, if necessary. But now, with the aid of skeletons, it might not be necessary. With them, raiding the dungeon would be considerably easier, I mused as I attempted to use the skill for the first time. <-30 MP> As I invoked the skill, a formation materialized before me, and a single skeleton warrior emerged, brandishing a rusty sword and clad in tattered garments. Despite being a mere basic skeleton, it presented quite the menacing figure. I checked the system''s status and found it to be quite secure, aligning with my expectations for the framework. __ Status Name: Skeleton Familiar Type: Undead Creature Grade: Basic Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Level: 1 Stats: [Health]: [45/45] [Mana]: [0/0] [Strength]: 3 [Agility]: 4.5 [Intelligence]: 0 [Vitality]: 4.5 [Attack Power: 7/8] [Defense: 3] Skills: None Undead Constitution: Passive Increases resistance toward poison, curse, and status effects by huge amount. __ Upon viewing the statistics, my spirits plummeted due to their paltry nature. I was quite dissatisfied, yet they could serve as decent cannon fodder. My satisfaction grew with the thought that, although they are not strong now, with some effort, I could enhance their levels and fortify them for battles to come. As these thoughts occupied my mind while I was navigating the system, a noise approached. I became alert and began searching for its origin. As I looked around, the source revealed itself as the thing it was... -- To be continued -- Which type of monster will appear before him? A slime or a monkey? Stay tuned to find out. Chapter 70: Beginner Dungeon [9]: Evo enchant Points. [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. The creature approaching me was a slime, bouncing towards me like a ping-pong ball. I was taken aback, having never witnessed a slime move in such a manner, but I suppose there''s a first time for everything. "Alright, let''s see what you''re made of, buddy," I muttered, positioning the skeleton between us. I stood ready to either attack or retreat, adhering to my own hunting rule: never underestimate an enemy, no matter how small or seemingly harmless. The slime continued its approach, causing my skeleton to stagger back towards me, clearly outmatched in strength. Noticing the skeleton''s lack of reaction, I realized it had no intelligence of its own; it wouldn''t act without a command from me. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Attack it," I commanded, and the skeleton''s inner fire brightened slightly. It advanced on the slime, swinging its sword in an attempt to inflict damage. My initial joy at the successful hit turned to shock as the slime remained unscathed, not even flinching from the impact. It dawned on me then; the slime was highly resistant to physical attacks. I decided to resort to my ''shadow bolt'' skill, although it would require two strikes and some time to prepare. Nonetheless, I was confident the skeleton could hold the slime off. "Hold on for a few seconds while I ready the skill," I instructed, as the skeleton engaged in a futile battle, full of effort but causing no damage. <-18 MP> A shadow bolt materialized in my hand, and I hurled it at the slime engaged in battle. The skeleton, unable to react, was struck by it. The force sent it flying into a tree log where it landed with a thud. "That''s what I call damage," I thought. It writhed in pain as its HP decreased significantly. <-16 HP> The display resembled an RPG game, showing that only four HP remained. Basic slimes don''t have much HP to begin with. I glanced at the skill cooldown: eight seconds with only a few remaining. I opted to use another skill from my set instead. <-10 MP> The fang, now tangible, shot towards the slime. It tried to bounce away, now alert, but was still grazed by the attack, which was sufficient to deplete its remaining HP. <-4 HP> {Congratulation host to get the first kill.} {Lv. 2 Slime has been killed, +15 Experience points have been gained.} [+1 Evoenchant point, stored in the talent.] {Note: Kindly note that the HP reduction was shown just for the first hunt and from now own the HP of the enemy will be revealed in form of bar above their head so be mindful of that.} I examined the system and nodded, realizing I had never hunted mobs in this manner before, and now the correct method was clear. The Evoenchant was perplexing, but I decided to put it aside as I had numerous other issues to address at the moment. Perhaps the system had discontinued this tutorial in my era. "Okay, bro, you might not have much work now, but still, thanks for your efforts here," I said to the skeleton, which had no intelligence. I was determined to embark on the solitary path. "Alright, let''s go and finish this stage," I encouraged myself to boost my morale. I was about to walk away from the slime''s body when I remembered something crucial. "Ah, I almost forgot about that," I exclaimed as I quickly approached the undissolved slime body and hovered my hand above it. "Plunder," I commanded, feeling energy transfer from me down through my hands. I could sense it clearly, though I didn''t understand its nature as it enveloped the beast''s body. [No talent, skills, abilities, or bloodline detected. Racial skills and stats identified.] [Do you wish to plunder the body?] "Yes," I affirmed. The energy I felt hovering just above the slime''s body dove inside and, a few seconds later, emerged with some entities, then re-entered my body. [Stats have been plundered. Racial skills do not match the host body and are rejected.] [+1 Strength, + 1 Endurance is added to the host stats.] I was joyed as I opened my status and checked my stats. __ {Stats} : 90 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) : 110 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) 7 9 9 11 8 5 Unassigned Stats: 00 19+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 16/17 [MAG: 11*1.5] 13+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ Indeed, it was the sheer terror of the high-ranking talents that proved too daunting for us mere mortals, yet those candidates were fully equipped with such capabilities. Now, it''s my turn to seize the advantage and quickly grow stronger. Rising from the ground, I began the search for my next target. This battle had consumed much time as I assessed the skills and equipment. The skeleton and I resumed our hunt and, as fate would have it, we stumbled upon another prey within minutes¡ªa normal slime, slowly inching its way towards me. It appeared to be a Level 1 creature, noticeably slower than the first. Summoning a , which depleted another <-20 MP> from my reserves, I hurled it at the creature. Unaware of our presence, the slime was caught off guard and struck by the bolt. I immediately commanded the skeleton to attack, but before it could engage, a notification appeared before me. As the health bar above it head directly moved from green to red and diminished at the end. {Lv.1 forest slime have been killed. +10 Exp is gained.} [+1 Evoenchant point is stored in talent.] But now my mana was at 38 out of 110 MP, recovering at a rate of 1 MP every 2 minutes. Hunting those beasts would take an eternity at this pace, but then I remembered the points I had acquired. Curious, I opened my status, which appeared quite normal except for an exclamation mark (!) next to my talent. This prompted me to shift my focus to the talent and click on it to discover its effects. __ Talent: Infinite Evolution & Enchantment (? Rank) Description: The Infinite Evolution & Enchantment talent is born from the mutation of two talents and grants its user the unparalleled ability to evolve and enhance both themselves and their possessions in an infinite loop of growth. At ? Rank, this talent becomes a divine force, allowing the user to unlock endless potential through EvoEnchantment Points (Evoenchant points), which are gained through Slaying. With these points, the user can rapidly evolve skills, weapons, armor, and even their physical and mental attributes and many more things which he desires. [Evoenchant Points: ] Talent Effects: Infinite Evolution: The user can continuously evolve their body, mind, and soul beyond mortal limits and other items. Each evolution grants an increase in power, be it strength, agility, intelligence, or even supernatural abilities. As the user collects EvoEnchantment Points, they can level up attributes and unlock latent powers, improving at an exponential rate by collecting the required material needed for the evolution to happen. Weapon & Equipment Enchantment: The user can apply EvoEnchantment Points to weapons, armor, and other items, upgrading them to higher ranks or unlocking new, advanced abilities. This process bypasses traditional enchanting, allowing the item to gain unique qualities that are directly tied to the user''s evolution. Skill Evolution: Skills can be evolved to new levels of power using EvoEnchantment Points. This includes improving the effectiveness, range, cooldown, and mana cost of abilities. At higher ranks, skills can also gain entirely new effects that transcend their original limits. Endless Growth: No matter how high the user''s level, they will always have the potential to grow further. EvoEnchantment Points allow the user to break through conventional limits, enhancing their fighting abilities and unlocking the next stage of their growth. __ The device managed to display the information clearly, yet it failed to show the rank. However, that''s of no concern to anyone since I''m already aware of it. I intended to utilize it to achieve my goals in my line of work. Now, as I draw my sword, I am prepared to spring into action. -- To be continued -- Hey guys, I hope you enjoy this as it''s the first chapter of my dungeon series. It''s not fully fleshed out with all my ideas yet, so stay tuned for the excitement that''s yet to come. Chapter 71: Beginner dungeon [10]: Talent Enchantment. [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. The talent I''m currently using is of Supreme grade, a tier those thrones indicated was the result of two quasi-supreme talent mutations. I''m convinced it''s the work of that candidate, but his methods of achievement are a mystery to me. I neither knew nor wished to know, for his possessions are now mine to command. The window for talent interference remained open, and my gaze settled on my sword, which had yet to see action, as the only foes I had encountered were low-level slimes. Ah, but I must remember to utilize that particular ability. Approaching the remnants of what was once a slime''s body, I prepared to employ my talent. "Plunder," I declared, as the enigmatic energy of the talent coursed through me, hovering over the remains. The display revealed all the attributes available for plundering. [You have plundered +1 Agility stat.] My agility stat rose to 10. With my attack power already at 20, bolstered by my AGL and STR, the benefits were clear, yet the sheer advantage seemed almost too fortuitous. The prospect of my stats soaring while still at tier 0 was tantalizing, potentially placing me beyond the reach of those haughty higher-tiered adversaries. Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly remembered the work awaiting me here. Glancing at my sword, an idea struck me to enchant it. I summoned the item''s system screen to view its effects. __ {Basic Iron Sword Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A standard iron sword with no frills, perfect for new adventurers. While its power is limited, it serves as a reliable weapon for basic combat. Attributes: Attack Power: +7 Durability: 40/40 Weight: Light Special Notes: Easily replaceable and non-upgradable.} __ It was quite ordinary, but then I decided to unlock its potential by enchanting it, which could help me defeat monsters more easily. I opened the talent screen and chose the Iron Sword to enchant with the talent as options appeared before me. [The talent has detected the basic Iron Sword as the target for enchantment or evolution. Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. Sharpness and Attack Power 2. Durability of the Sword 3. Grade of the Weapon 4. Add another effect.] That seemed new to me. "Tell me what I need for all these options," I asked the system, or the talent, communicating through the system''s interface. [To enhance the sword with the chosen option, you will need: 1. 1 Evo-enchant point 2. 3 Evo-enchant points 3. 25 Evo-enchant points 4. 8 Evo-enchant points + the desired effect.] After much deliberation, I decided on the fourth option, as it seemed the best way to add the effect I wanted. I chose to add an elemental effect, which would allow me to damage non-physical entities, and I could add other effects later as I collected more points. [The host has chosen the fourth option for semi-enhancement and semi-evolution. Please gather the necessary items to begin the process.] As instructed, I needed to acquire five points to evolve it, while I already had a way to obtain the magical effect. "Let''s go before your time limit expires," I said to the skeleton standing behind me, and we both started to search for our next target, eager to test my talent for the first time. __ In another dungeon of the same type, several slime creatures and a jungle monkey lay on the ground, their bodies and the earth scorched with burn marks. The architect of this carnage stood before a large monkey trembling in fear, as she pointed her staff towards it, a flame skill ready to launch like a bolt. "Cursed Flamebolt," she declared, and the bolt pierced the monkey''s chest, ending its life instantly. The eerie sensation of the blaze began to fade as her skill deactivated. "This ''Blazing Hex'' is already Level 2, huh? Well, it''s semi-passive and semi-active, so that''s to be expected," Lyre mused, taking a swig from a bottle of blue liquid. "Blegh, this mana potion is still so bitter. I wish Dad had allowed me to use those mana recovery berries; they were much tastier," she lamented, her thoughts drifting to the berries before a notification interrupted her. {You have slain a Level 4 forest monkey and gained +55 Experience points.} {You have leveled up to Level 3. You have 10 stat points to allocate.} She quickly distributed the points to the stats she wished to enhance. {You have allocated +5 Intelligence, +2 Agility, +1 Vitality, +1 Stamina, +1 Strength.} Her father had advised her to distribute her points this way if she awakened as a semi-mage class, but for a full mage, she was instructed to invest sparingly in strength. "Dad doesn''t know everything. My class may seem like a full mage, but I can sense that my skills will evolve and lead me straight into the heart of battle. It''s best to invest now before it''s too late," she reasoned, planning to proceed with her decision and keep it hidden from her father, though she knew she''d have to confess if he discovered her secret. "But what could those duffers be doing right now? They might have advanced to Level 2, perhaps," she said, not knowing the answer but unable to do anything about it. __ Meanwhile, in another part of the same dungeon, Lucas was grappling with a large monkey poised to catch him and slam him to the ground. However, before it could, a fireball struck its chin, and it fell back, motionless. "Phew, that was the last one here," Lucas said as he dusted off his clothes and cleaned the blood oozing from a wound on his shoulder, sustained while hunting the monkeys. "They were quite tough opponents," he observed, glancing back at the dozens of monkeys of similar size lying on the ground, their bodies marked with slashes and scorched fur. "It was an intense situation, but the rewards make it worthwhile," he mused, looking at his screen where a notification had popped up. {Congratulations, host. You have killed 3 Level 4 Forest Monkeys and 5 Level 3 Forest Monkeys. You have leveled up to Level 4.} {You have gained 10 unassigned stats to allocate.} "I''ll assign them later when I need them. But now that I''ve dealt with these monkeys, where is the portal to the next stage?" he wondered. Before he could search for it, the tree roots began to move, forming an oval shape on the ground as a portal emerged. Without hesitation, Lucas stepped through it to reach the second stage. __ At the dungeon''s entrance, teachers were observing the hologram displaying the students'' activities. In one of the displays, a second light among three dots flickered and began to glow steadily, indicating that someone had reached the second stage. Everyone assumed it was Lyre, but it was Lucas who had first cleared the first stage. Minutes later, the second light of Lyre activated, bringing joy to every teacher''s eyes. Yet, it was Tess who overflowed with happiness, witnessing her lover''s swift progress through the stage, recalling his promise to her. "Tess, believe me, I possess something unique, and I will make you the queen of the world one day, I swear. Then, we will both enjoy a peaceful life," he had assured her, a vow that still sent butterflies fluttering in her stomach. Following them, several teams and individuals reached the second stage, while others remained at the first, including Evan. Whether he would continue to lag behind was a question only time could answer. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. -- To be continued -- Chapter 72: Beginner dungeon [11]: First stage, Sword enchant [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow, CGA branch of Dyna Crest In the dungeon, Evan encountered several slime bodies scattered on the ground. He had just slain his seventh slime, a requirement for the semi-evolution of his sword. "Okay, that''s the seventh and final slime needed," I declared as the slime dissolved into fluid. "It''s time to finish this and enchant my sword," I announced, but before I could use my talent to plunder their stats, notifications of my kills filled the screen. {You''ve killed 3 Slime Lv.2, 4 Slime Lv.1.} {You have gained +70 Experience points.} [95/100 Exp] I was on the verge of leveling up, but my MP was nearly depleted. [9/110] [You have obtained 10 Evo-enchant points from the hunt, stored in your talent.] "Okay, so I got two points from the Level 2 slimes and one from the Level 1''s. Not bad. I might be able to enchant three options now," I mused as I approached the bodies to utilize my talent. "Plunder," I commanded, and the strange energy reappeared, hovering over the corpses. [Talent has detected multiple identical targets; please specify actions for the body hosts.] "Huh, what can you do with them? Are you going to consume their bodies or something?" I inquired, curious about its capabilities. [Talent can perform multiple actions with the carcasses of the Monster named Slime, including plundering, dismantling, and storing them in the provided storage.] "Wow, can you explain how you acquired these abilities? Were they inherent or added later?" I inquired, puzzled by the information Talent had provided. [Talent has identified that these abilities are integrated and require activation through specific skills such as and , which are necessary for the task at hand.] "Why mention it if it doesn''t matter to me... But never mind, once I acquire the skills, managing the corpses will become straightforward. Plus, it''s fortunate I discovered this feature, or I might have overlooked it," I remarked, selecting the plundering option. The energy hovering above the bodies flowed into me after the task was completed. [You have plundered seven bodies, gaining +2 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Vitality, and +1 Endurance stat.] [You have maxed out the stat points that can be plundered from lower-level slimes. Please target other monster types or higher-level monsters.] I was about to question the low stats I received, but the system explained on its own. "So, I need to hunt larger monsters now, huh? Well, that''s fine. I believe I''m prepared for them too." I recalled the forest monkeys, yet I hadn''t spotted them anywhere. Perhaps they were deeper in the forest. "Alright, let''s go, skeleton, and take down those foolish monkeys," I declared, only to notice the white dust where my skeleton companion had been, realizing it was no longer there. "Oh....." That was the only word I uttered as I walked away from the spot, silently planting a stick in the ground to mark where my first summon had perished. ''Skeleton, you will be missed...'' I thought, brushing away my imaginary tears, as I moved on to continue his work. I vow to conquer this dungeon, for both me and you, my skeleton friend. As I ventured deeper into the dungeon, I glanced at my MP bar, which was disappointingly low at [14/110]. It was a sorry state for a mage to not have enough mana for a raid. Absent was the mana potion, an item of great utility at this juncture. My thoughts turned to Lyre, who was likely making good use of such potions and probably advancing to the second stage or on the cusp of it. Meanwhile, I was close to an upgrade, needing just 5 more experience points. "Let''s check my points," I murmured, pulling up my talent screen to review the points available for the upgrade. Evo-enchant Points: 13 Points "Time to select these three talents for the upgrade," I decided, as the familiar enchantment screen appeared before me. [The talent has detected the basic Iron Sword as the target for enchantment or evolution. Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. [Sharpness and Attack Power]: 1 Evo enchant point 2. [Durability of the Sword]: 3 Evo-enchant point 3. [Grade of the Weapon]: 25 Evo-enchant point + Additional things. 4. [Add another effect.]: 8 Evo-enchant point + desired effect] "I choose three: 1, 2, and 4. Let it continue," I declared as the first two processes began, my sword starting to be enveloped in a silver and purple hue. [Please cast the desired effect you wish to attach to the item to initiate the fourth process.] Upon hearing this, I prepared to activate the one ability I had not used until now. Although my mage class grants me elemental damage, it requires a significant amount of mana for continuous use, which is currently not feasible. However, to defeat this creature, I need to attack with mana multiple times, which is impossible. So, instead, I am attempting to create a permanent chance of inflicting elemental damage. I refer to my Elemental Manipulation ability, which has remained dormant until now. I have not used it, but I choose to wield it now, as it''s now or never. __ Description: The Elemental Manipulation ability is the pinnacle of elemental control, combining mastery over Fire, Earth, Lightning, and Ice into a single, seamless power. This ability allows the user to freely summon, shape, and wield these elements, either individually or in combination, to unleash devastating attacks, craft powerful defenses, and manipulate the environment with precision. Each element synergizes with the others, enabling unique hybrid techniques that amplify the user''s versatility and destructive potential. This ultimate control over multiple elements makes Elemental Manipulation a force that transcends ordinary elemental abilities, granting the user dominance in battle and unparalleled adaptability Fire: F (0%) Earth: F (0%) Lightning: F (0%) Ice: F (0%) S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. __ {A/N: The pinnacle is referred to as such because the system, Nexus Prime, has deemed SSS ranks as the highest ranking. Please be patient as this will be resolved in the future.} My ability, which doesn''t consume much mana unless used excessively at a high level, proved to be perfect. Initially, my attempts to use it failed, but drawing on my past life''s experience with these elements, I managed to summon small flickers of flames in my hands. They grew larger by the minute, yet my mana expenditure remained low, not exceeding two points despite numerous tries. I persisted and eventually succeeded in creating a tiny ball of flame. With intense concentration, I expanded it to the size of a thumb. I placed it upon the sword, now enveloped in a silver and purple hue. The flame was absorbed into the hue, and I received the notification I was hoping for: [The required effect item, a portion of the flames created in nature, has been added to the blade''s effects. Please wait a few minutes for the process to complete.] Exhausted, I sighed and collapsed onto the ground, having overexerted myself with the ability. It was challenging to use, more so than skills, which seem to act on their own once mastered. I checked the mastery level of the fire element and was delighted to see some progress. (Fire: F (1.23%)) The increase was small, but it was just the beginning. As mastery increases, proficiency gains will slow down. I checked my mana, which had returned to fourteen points after I had spent five on manipulation. As time passed, it continued to increase, coinciding with the progress of my upgrade. A few minutes later, my MP had climbed to forty-six. The hue began to dissipate, revealing the weapon''s normal appearance, except for the exceptional sharpness of the blade and its newfound strength. The hilt bore a flame-like color, as if some stones had absorbed the flames. "Okay, it looks kind of flashy, but I can manage that. Let''s check the effects of the enchantment," I said as I opened its screen, astonished by the effects. This talent was incredibly powerful; it should not fall into the wrong hands, or it could cause serious problems. "Yahoo, now that''s a weapon that can help me breeze through this type of dungeon," I exclaimed, impressed by the overpowering enchantment. -- To be continued -- Chapter 73: Beginner dungeon [12] [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. What I observed was quite different from my expectations. I anticipated a low chance of elemental strike, but it provided me with quite beneficial effects. __ Basic Iron Sword (Enchanted) Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A standard iron sword enhanced with basic enchantments, providing improved durability and attack power. Its fiery enchantment adds a potent magical effect, making it a more dangerous choice for new adventurers. Attributes: Attack Power: +12 Durability: 70/70 Weight: Light Special Effects: S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fire Strike: 20% chance to deal additional 50% of the weapon''s attack power as fire-based magical damage on hit. __ It was too overpowered and good for me right now, allowing me to breeze through the dungeon stage effortlessly. "Okay, so this is what we call enchantment," I said as I swung the sword around, but there was no visible difference, just the red marble-like thing on its hilt. "Well, let me try you, cutie," I said as I began walking around to find my target and luckily found a good one. A slime was dissolving some leaves that had fallen on the ground. It didn''t know that a predator was eyeing it. Without any care, it continued dissolving the leaves as I started to move. I walked out of the bushes and slashed my sword toward it. It got startled and tried to roll away, but my sword hit it, and it flew backward at high speed, hitting the bark of a tree. Its HP became visible on its head. To my surprise, the HP was already half from the hit and getting stuck on the bark. "Huh, when did I become so strong?" I said, then remembered that the stats I plundered were now working. "So now I can one-shot these guys, huh? Good," I said as I walked toward the slime to hit it again and plunged my sword into it when something happened. As the blade released a small burst of flames into its body, it died instantly. "Wow, so that''s the fire strike attack, huh? Good, but this twenty percent chance is not great, as striking five times to release the flames isn''t good enough but still manageable," I said as I received the notification of the kill. {You have Lv.2 Slime; you have gained 15 Exp} [110/100 EXP] {You have level up to Lv.2.} {You have gained 10 unassigned stat points.} [10/150 EXP] "Finally, I am on the path to power now. Let me think about which stat I should assign points to," said and opened my stats screen. __ {Stats} : 100 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: .5/minute = 10*.05) : 110 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: .55/minute = 11*.05) 9 11 10 11 9 5 Unassigned Stats: 10 24+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 16/17 [MAG: 11*1.5] 14+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ Looking quite good to me as those plundered stats have been completely settled and integrated with my own, appearing perfect, isn''t it? "Well, let me see what I am going to need with my fighting style changed here," I said as, after the enchantment of the sword, my path to hunt changed from support to attack. I am at the front now, and what I need is strength to attack with force and kill the monsters, agility to evade, attack speed, and body fluidity. I don''t think I need to increase endurance for now, as my talent can enhance it automatically by plundering, while stamina is a must in a close battle as with this much, I won''t stand a chance, since it''s the only stat below nine. And if my stamina is low, then I have to be ashamed of it in battle, so let''s allocate it carefully. {You''ve assigned +3 Stamina, + 2 Strength, + 2 Agility, + 2 Intelligence, + 1 Vitality.} __ {Stats} : 110 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: .55/minute = 11*.05) : 130 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: .65/minute = 13*.05) 11 13 11 13 9 8 Unassigned Stats: 00 29+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 20/21 [MAG: 11*1.5] 17+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ It was literally my best Level 2 stats screen. For example, see my attack power; it is comparable to investing ten full points into those stats. It can increase with time, and here I am with these brilliant stats. Yes, with my talent, but still, they are mine, so it means I am a genius. "Okay, so ready for rumble I said as I looked at my MP bar to see the progress, as even the regeneration was high now, and the bar was filling up quickly. [57/130] It was literally 46 a few minutes ago and now look at these. Now that''s the benefit of increasing intelligence. It also boosts my mana regeneration. "Okay, so let''s put an end to this," I said as I walked toward the outer layer to find the remaining slimes and then headed to kill the monkeys. __ In another verdant hollow dungeon, we observe Lucas killing some Forest Wolves. Before dying, one of the wolves howled toward the sky and fell to the ground. Its body resembled those of the monkeys from earlier encounters, burned in some parts and slash marks on its body. "These wolves are quite troublesome as they always run away when I have killed most of them and then report to the others. I have already killed about twenty-five, and there are still more," Lucas said as he kicked the wolf''s body aside and looked around at the few bodies lying on the floor. "However, I have reached level five while hunting these wolves and snakes," Lucas said as he looked at his screen to check his progress. __ [Status] Name: Lucas Benett (Lucas Vale) Age: 18 Race: Human (98%), Dragon (2%) Class: Novice Battlemage (E) {Growth Type} Title: Wolf Slayer Level: 5 [80/300] Tier: 0 Talent: Dragon Insight (SSS) ___________________________ [Stats] Health Points (HP): 100 --> 220 {1:10 of CON} Mana Points (MP): 130 --> 210 {1:10 of INT} Strength (STR): 11 --> 21 Agility (AGL): 10 --> 20 Intelligence (INT): 13 --> 21 Constitution (CON): 10 --> 22 Stamina (STA): 14 --> 21 Endurance (END): 17 --> 20 Unassigned Stats: 00 ____________________________ [Skills]: Arcane Strike Lv.2, Mana Shield Lv.1, Fireball Lv.2 [RacialAbility]: Dragon Fear Lv.0 ____________________________ "I am quite strong compared to back then; all my stats have increased to twenty, before." Lucas was now capable of fighting level six and seven monsters without any trouble. This was due to his racial skill, , which was still at level 0. He couldn''t remember it came from, as it wasn''t there before. Nevertheless, it decreased the monsters'' stats in front of him to a certain extent, which helped him a lot. It was also passive, so he didn''t have to waste MP for it. Speaking MP, his regeneration rate was off the charts, always fully regenerating in just half an hour. He didn''t even know his regen, but perhaps his bloodline was helping him. Additionally, his title, which he received after killing twenty wolves, increased his stats in front of these types of mobs was like a platter of food served, so why wouldn''t he eat it? He started walking toward the deeper part to kill more of these monsters. He was in a hurry to kill all of them and get first in the dungeon run exam as it would help him gain an extra 1% dragon blood in his body. So, he hurried off, motivated by the reward he would receive. __ After finishing off all the remaining low-level Slimes, Evan was walking toward the deeper zone to eliminate the rest. [90/150 EXP], it was all the things he gained from those left behind as he checked all the remaining places for slimes to stay at, as he didn''t believe that different kinds of monster coexist in same environment like yes that''s not impossible but still not possible in here. That''s why he was only hunting slimes till then and not seen a monkeys out here. He had also summoned a skeleton a few minutes ago in case he needed to flee the area. He intended to be cautious in this life as it was his last chance, and every player plays carefully in such circumstances. "No pain, no gain," was the motto he kept repeating in his mind as it was a well-known phrase. "Yosh, Skeleton, let''s go and put some blazing swords into those monkey ''daisy''," I said as my trusty summon and I walked toward the deeper zone. But something unexpected happened, which caused me to be shocked, and even my skeleton, in shock, got unsummoned without any damage or fight. That was the height of shock. Because what happened me may have never happened to other hunters. And what happened was.... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... -- To be continued -- What caused him to be so shocked? If you wish to find out, you should prepare yourself for me to reveal the shocking details, such as add this to your library for ensuring that you never miss the updates. Chapter 74: Beginner Dungeon [13]: Kings Bloodline [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. What happened to me may have never happened to other. What happened was that he didn''t find any monkey in the deeper part of the forest, and by the time the summoning period expired, he dissolved into ashes. With some ache in my heart, I walked away as this was my whole hour worth of spent MP, and it went to waste. I decided to only summon the skeleton when the enemy appears. I wandered aimlessly for so long that even my MP bar refilled over time. Still, there were no clues about the monkeys, and I thought there might be a glitch in this dungeon that would resolve itself later. So, I walked toward a large tree, which was quite distant from the others, and sat beneath it beside the roots extending into the ground. "What should I do until the I was thinking when some leaves fell on my body. I looked around to see if the other trees were also swaying in the wind, but there were none, and my curiosity grew. I looked at the tree suspiciously and decided to investigate. I launched the fang toward it, and suddenly two figures leaped away from the branches. And then I realized that the monkey I was searching for on the ground was hiding in the trees among the leaves. "Hey, wait, I will not let you go," I said as I drew my sword and started following them. My speed was not quite low compared to theirs, but still, my lack of experience showed as they started laughing at me, noticing my pathetic state due to my lack of stamina. "Hahhh... Hahhhh... I... I will catch you both surely," I said taking big breaths to recover my stamina. They jumped down from the trees and began running toward me to attack. I was not ready to fight, so I decided to summon my trusted ally to fight for me. As I used the skill, two skeletons appeared and stood in front of me. "Now let me see your smiles, you bastards," I said, but before my skeletons could attack them, they ran away like scaredy cats. "Huh, what''s happening here?" I thought, realizing that the monkeys didn''t attack me first because they might be scared of my skeletons. "Oh, okay then let me fish some of out," I said as I stretched my arm toward the trees where they were hiding and conjured my skill. A bolt manifested and shot toward them. It didn''t hit any of them, yet they lost their balance and fell from the tree right in front of my skeletons, who were ready to attack them. "Die monkeys. Rip them apart for me," I ordered like a villain as my skeletons walked toward the still confused monkeys and started attacking them. Boths ATK powers were low, but the fear they generated was quite imposing, so the monkeys were unable to resist. Many slashes appeared on their bodies, but health points remained as the attacks were too shallow. "Step aside, let me do it," I said and walked in front of the monkeys who were now lying on the ground shaking fear. "Let me help you get away from this pain," I said as I swung my sword toward them, but they still had some health left. As I swung again, my luck strike and the fire slash occurred again. The sword blade just touched the skin of the monkey and cut through it like butter. The monkey screamed in agony; his scream was his last sound as he fell to the ground, blood flowing from the cut and sizzling due to the attack. Other monkey was terrorized by this, but I ended its agony without any trouble, thrusting the sword straight at its throat and ending its misery. "Hush, killing this creature is not what I want, but it''s what I can do, as this world only has one rule: kill or be killed. Whoever kills grows over time. Sorry, buddy, I hope you get a better life." I said as I waited for the notification to appear, which it did after ten seconds, holding them until we were out of battle status for ten seconds. [You have gained 4 Evo-enchant points, stored in talent.] <>, said, thinking it might work. [Talent has detected two bodies of Lv.3 Monkeys. What do you wish to do: Plunder them, dismantle them, or store them in inventory?] "But I don''t have the necessary skills, so why ask me?" I said, as the talent didn''t answer like it didn''t have a brain, just a set command. [Please choose what you wish to do.] "Okay, well, let me take the plunder then. Who wouldn''t want the stats?" [No talent, skills, or abilities, a degraded bloodline detected with stats identified.] "That''s new. What did it do with the bloodline talent?" I asked, as it was the first time seeing the bloodline talent. [The talent has found a degraded bloodline sample compatible with the host for merging. Therefore, the talent decided to demonstrate its worth.] "So, what type is it?" I asked, hoping it would be more beneficial than the reptile bloodline. "The bloodline is quite degraded, making it difficult to extract much information, but the name has been identified." [Bloodline: The Titan Ape King. Grade: King tier.] [Do you wish to merge?] "Ahhhmmm~~~~~, before proceeding, can you extract the stats for me first? Then we will decide." I requested as the stat plunder began and mysterious energy hovered inside the bodies to extract the stats and return to my body. [You have plundered the two monkey stats. You have gained +1 Agility, +1 Vitality, +1 Stamina.] "Oh, so they can help me gain stamina stats. Good, it can balance things now." I said as I started walking away to find the other monkey but first hid the skeletons in the bushes to lure them out. While doing so, the talent asked me again. [The talent asked the host, what do you wish to do with the bloodline? Do you wish to integrate or eject it?] "Can you first tell me its benefits? Then I will decide." I said, intending to make decision after understanding the pros and cons. [The talent has sent the related details via the system.] "Huh, are you some kind of broker, system?" I asked, but no reply came. {System is translating the given data. Process completed.} {Bloodline: Titan ape king Grade: King Affinity(s): Earth, Nature Additionalstats / level: +10 STR, + 5 AGI, +10 STA, +5 END Description: The Titan Ape King Bloodline bestows its inheritor with the unparalleled might and resilience of the Titan Ape, a legendary creature known for its colossal strength and dominance. This bloodline provides a balance of raw physical power, enhanced senses, and kingly aura, making its bearer a formidable presence on any battlefield. Bloodline skill: Titanic Might Grants the ability to temporarily double the user''s strength and size for 10 minutes. Cooldown: 1 hour. Earthquake Stomp Unleashes a devastating ground-shaking attack, stunning enemies in a 30-meter radius. Damage: Scales with Strength (Physical). Cooldown: 10 minutes. King''s Aura S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Emits a dominating aura that intimidates and weakens enemies, reducing their attack power by 20% within a 15-meter radius. (Passive ability)} "Oh, what is this? It looks like an overpowered item!" I exclaimed, seeing an opportunity to gain it. [Please host, decide what you wish to do now: Integrate/Eject] "System, what are the chances of finding a bloodline higher than king grade? Is it good or bad?" I inquired, concerned that king grade might not be sufficient. [Host, a king bloodline is exceptionally rare, found in only one a trillion people. It is recommended to integrate for a sudden boost in strength, and this bloodline can be increased in grade with the help of talents. It is advised to use it now.] "Ah, then I think I will choose to..." -- To be continued -- Will he choose this Bloodline, and the power needed to fight Lucas? This opportunity may not come again. Is this a hidden trump card set for him by destiny? Will it be strong enough to face Lucas''s dragon bloodline? Only the next chapters will reveal. Stay tuned to find out what happens next. Chapter 75: Beginner Dungeon [14]: More Plunder [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. "Ah, then I think I will choose to eject it as I don''t think I am compatible with it. Even if it''s compatible with body, this bloodline element is not much in favor." I said, and so the talent ejected it from my body, and my search for the monkey continues. "Okay, so you both follow me but keep some distance, so these monkeys won''t notice you." I said, ordering the skeletons who crackled teeth in agreement, perhaps, and walked away from them but still close in distance. I nodded and started walking around aimlessly, and it worked as I heard some noises from above the trees like someone was following me. And I knew who it was. "Ah geez, can''t you all reveal yourselves now? Do you think I didn''t notice you?" I said when they still didn''t come down. I picked up a stone and threw it toward the tree leaves. With a screech, five monkeys jumped down from the tree with anger, while one of them had a red mark on its face, maybe from the pebble I threw at them. "Okay, so now I have five, so let''s start the hunter catches play game. Come out, my summons." I said as I used my skill to summon one more skeleton. A skeleton appeared of Lv.2 and the monkeys got scared, but being in more numbers made them less fearful. However, when they noticed two more appearing from behind, their confidence was shaken a lot. "Hehehehe, now let me show you what is called a gang fight." I said as my summons, and I charged toward them to fight. Unlike before, the monkeys didn''t resist. This time, they were resisting very well as they started me and my skeletons as the fight broke out. I was handling two of them while my skeletons were fighting one each. I slashed my sword toward one of them, and with my enhanced stats, I was much stronger, so these monkeys weren''t my match. However, my skeletons were being overpowered. I have much experience in killing, but that body and this body of mine are different. Its size and shape mess with my combat style. So, I still prefer to battle with my style. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One of the monkeys jumped on me to bite my neck, but I sidestepped and slashed him straight across his body. With my enhanced blade, it was easy to slash their bodies. A normal hit from my strike reduced their health by a third. I grew confident my attack pattern changed from cautious to aggressive. I started, and many slashes appeared on their bodies after a few exchanges. I was overpowering them due to my superior stats, even at a lower level. After being hit so many times, one monkey lost control and desperately tried to kill me instantly. But this was the monster''s biggest mistake. I dodged its attack and pierced its body with my blade. It started to squirm like a fish and finally gave its last breath. The monkey''s blood flowed toward my hand and soaked my blade. The second monkey confronting me was terrified and tried to run away. I threw the dead monster''s body to the ground and looked at the running monkey. As it was about to run back to the tree, I shouted, "No, you won''t. I can''t let you run away from here," and threw my sword at the monkey, which struck his shoulder and pierced it, while sinking into the trunk of the tree which struck him there. It screeched so loudly that the other monkeys fighting the skeletons toward it in fear. Their will to fight diminished, giving skeletons some help. "You think I will let you go," I said as I walked towards the monkey, struggling to get away but to no avail. "Sheesh, this body is severely lacking in stamina. I can''t even fight proper battle right now," I said, feeling inexplicably tired. "This body''s stamina stat is atrocious, as if it were born be a mage or long-range fighter," I muttered, grasping the handle of the stuck sword. I twisted it slightly, causing the monkey scream louder and attempt to attack me, but to no effect. With force, I drove the sword into its chest, and its body fell to the ground as I pulled out the sword. "Sorry, I didn''t want this happen, just the circumstances," I said, moving toward my skeletons to assist them. However, it seemed they did not need help, as all the monkeys were already on the ground, shivering in pain. I swiftly ended their suffering, not wishing to let others endure agony for my own benefit. Unfortunately, my luck did not favor me this time as no fire slash occurred. "Hey, gather all those bodies," I ordered. Before they disappeared, I wanted to put them to work. They clattered their teeth and walked toward the bodies, gathering them in one spot. Afterward, I walked in front of them to use my talent. But before I could, I received a notification of my kills. [You''ve gained 12 Evo-enchant Point. Total Points: 13.] , I said as the talent energy manifested and hover above the monster bodies. [Talent has detected five bodies of Lv.3 Monkeys. What do you wish to do: Plunder them, dismantle them, or store them in inventory?] "Plunder them." I said as it drilled into the bodies. [No talent, skills, or abilities, a degraded bloodline detected with stats identified.] "Plunder the stats only." I said as after few seconds it come back to my body. [You''ve gained +3 Vitality, + 2 Agility, + 2 Strength, +1 Intelligence.] "Oh, what a feast of stats, even got some of the intelligence stats." I said as I feel my stats rising and levitating my power. "Let me assign the points and then I will procced as every point is needed right now for me." _______________________________ {Stats} : 150 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: .75/minute = 15*.05) : 140 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: .70/minute = 14*.05) 13 16 15 14 9 9 Unassigned Stats: 10 35+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 21 [MAG: 11*1.5] 18+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __________________________________ "Let me put it like this now in stats I am lacking right now." I said as I put my stats on the attributes, after which the stats of mine was quite good in looking right now. _______________________________ {Stats} : 150 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: .75/minute = 15*.05) : 140 --> 160 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: .80/minute = 16*.05) 13 16 15 14 --> 16 9 --> 14 9 --> 12 Unassigned Stats: 00 35+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 24 [MAG: 16*1.5] 26+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __________________________________ -- To be continued -- Chapter 76: Beginner Dungeon [15]: Mid Boss Alpha Wolf [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well, these stats are good. Now I have to hunt some more of these monkeys, and it will be over." I said, reasoning that there shouldn''t be too much difficulty in the first stage as it''s meant for beginners, so it should be easy, right? I started walking toward the next area to hunt more when two of my skeletons burst into sparkles, and their remains fell to the ground. "Oh...., so you both have left me too, huh? No worries, I will continue my journey until I see the end." I said in a quite dramatic manner. I wiped my fake tears and walked away without looking back, with my last newly summoned Skeleton. I checked my mana and found it sufficient, as a few skills could still be used with this amount. I started walking deeper into jungle to find the last remaining monkeys, pondering how many students might have cleared the first stage and advanced to the next, and wondering about the progress of Lucas and Lyre. ''They should be in stage 2 or maybe stage 3 while I am still stuck here, but no worries, try to be quick as despair won''t give me anything.'' I thought, quickening my pace to find the monkeys. Perhaps it helped, as I heard the sound of many leaves crunching from above the trees. And so, my work also began. ----------------------------- While in another dungeon, Lucas was fighting a group of wolves but this time, they weren''t running away as they had before. There was a different wolf among them, standing patiently and calmly. ''Shit, effect is halved right now because of that Alpha wolf'' Lucas thought as he looked at the calm wolf, who was the mini-boss of the dungeon''s second stage. The wolf was clever, trying to wear Lucas out before starting its hunt. Lucas was just a level 7, while the mini-boss was already level 10. It was going to be a hard battle. However, we know that the destined ones, or what we call the male lead, are quite the miracle-bringers, pulling themselves or others out of trouble while thwarting any enemy plan. And that is what happened here. As Lucas started to get overpowered by the wolf group, both his offensive skills were upgraded in level while still in battle. This helped him kill the wolves easily, and he then turned toward the alpha wolf, who was now growling at him with saliva dripping onto the ground. "Huh feeling angry because of your packmates'' deaths, huh? Just wait and you''ll meet them in person." He said as he launched himself toward the wolf, which was also ready for battle. The battle was intense and ongoing when the wolf finally used its skill for the first time. It disappeared for a split second and reappeared in front of Lucas, who was shocked. Before the wolf could attack, Lucas used his Mana Shield skill and was saved. But he didn''t stop there taking advantage of the shield, he first launched a Fireball into the wolf''s mouth, and when the wolf still didn''t die, he plunged his sword straight into its face using his skill . As the wolf fall behind and start acting like a mad dog, trying to knock out the sword from his mouth but it was pierced too much inside, and blood was flowing out like tap water. And finally, the Wolf fell down onto the ground, shaking in pain and after few seconds gave away his life. But Lucas still doesn''t rest, and he first waited for the notification to appear. After the notification, the rocks on the ground started moving and formed an oval by themselves. Two portals were generated, just like before. "Hushhh, I was nearly dead because this boss used his dumb skill, which would be nice to have, but what can I do?" he said, referring to the skill the wolf used, , which he knew from his system. He then looked towards the portals. One led to the next stage, and the other was an exit. Obviously, he didn''t choose the exit and decided to enter the next stage portal as he had the quest to become first. "I will be the, no matter what. But where could Lyre be right now? Maybe still stuck in the second stage mobs, or perhaps in the third stage since her class is quite high. And what about that boy Evan, which stage could he be in? Maybe the second, given his class and talent." Lucas thought. After resting, he walked inside the portal, unaware that the person he thought was in the second stage was still stuck in the first, and for Lyre, it was different. In her dungeon, she stood in front of the big flames, which were now getting lower as time passed. Behind her was the charred body of already killed wolves. She looked quite different from normal, with runes-like symbols glowing in golden yellow color around her eyes. A big scratch was on her mage set, but there was no major damage to her body. Finally, the flames in front of her extinguished, revealing the charred body of the Alpha wolf, now dead. She continued to gaze with the intent to kill him, snapping out of her daze when the kill notification appeared. The major event was that the rune-like symbols disappeared, and she returned to normal, looking around in confusion. "Huh, what am I doing right now Wait, I was fighting the mini-boss Alpha wolf," she said, recalling that after seeing his fallen comrade, the boss used a skill to instantly appear in front of her and slashed at her. Her suit saved her, but her eyes went blank, and now she found herself here. "What the hell happened to me, and why did the boss die?" she thought. The notification caught her eye, indicating she earned 330 Exp from the hunt and finally leveled up to Lv.9 after defeating the mini-boss. After drinking the MP and HP potions, she walked toward the portal of the third stage and entered it. Unbeknownst to her, she and Lucas''s third stage light activated simultaneously, shocking everyone outside who expected Lyre to achieve it. Lucas, an E-grade class holder, was not considered capable. Tess was delighted for him and decided to give him a little big surprise he would never forget tonight. No one noticed that in the lower ranking, someone shifted from stage one to stage two, and there was nothing more to say to readers as everyone knew who it was. -- To be continued -- Chapter 77: Beginner Dungeon [16]: Stage First Cleared. [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. A few minutes before Lucas and Lyre finish off the mini boss and enter the third and final stage, I, who was previously in the first stage, was now shown to be in the second stage. The incident occurred when I killed the last batch of monkeys. The screams of the monkey in pain attracted several other monkeys, about seven, which caused me to flee as I am not a main character who can confidently say, "Come at me, you dumb monkeys," with a cool attitude. Therefore, I had to run away while using my only remaining skeleton as bait. I was successful in my attempt and decided to use a simple strategy that was. First, I waited until my Mana bar was full and then used it entirely to summon as many creatures as possible. In front of me stood five Lv.3 skeletons, all dressed identically, making it impossible to tell them apart even if they were swapped. "Alright soldiers, we must now face a large group of monkeys that are after me for some reason. Are you ready to fight to the death?" I said, attempting to sound like a confident commander. However, there was no response, so I simply ordered them to follow me, feeling disheartened. "Sigh, it seems I won''t have a good army," I muttered like a demotivated commander, resorting to the same old strategy. They all followed me from a distance until the sound of leaves occurred again, and those seven monkeys jumped down in front of me in rage. "Oh, so you''ve come here to take revenge for your fallen comrades. Huh, I am also ready this time," I said. The monkeys didn''t understand anything, but seeing my calm demeanor, they grew even angrier. In their anger, they jumped toward me to attack, but I was prepared and started running toward my hidden skeletons, who were ready to jump out and attack. "Hurry, attack," I said, as five of them jumped out of the bushes, causing all the monkeys chasing me to stop in their tracks. They were now getting scared of my skeletons, which I still don''t understand the effect of. Is there some kind of syringe buff that gives them a fear effect? I don''t know yet, but it''s good for me as it helps in hunting the monsters. I also summoned my sword and was ready to kill these monkeys. My summons and I engaged in the fight, and the outcome was obvious. With me being with them, I handled the two monkeys while they fought on their own. This time, I didn''t waste much time and started getting aggressive I slashed toward one monkey who attempted to dodge, but my speed was greater. I made a cut on his chest from which red blood began oozing out, causing it to become angry and attack me with the instinct to survive. Although I lost a bit of HP, it wasn''t significant. I became more cautious and, seizing an opportunity, swung my blade toward his. Fortunately, I activated the fire effect, creating a rather impressive scene in my eyes, but no one was there to witness it. The headless body of the monster fell to the ground as I turned to the other monkey, who was staring at the corpse. I swiftly ended his life as well, not requiring any unnecessary actions. I pierced his body, and although he struggled a little, he ultimately fell into the embrace of eternal night. I glanced at my summons, who had also finished dealing with their own. Once again, I ordered them to gather the bodies, forming a small pile. [You''ve gained 19 Evo-enchant Points. Total Points: 32.] "Oh, I didn''t notice that the stage is also clear and my Evo-enchant Points are already at 32. I now upgrade its grade," I said looking at my sword as there was an option to upgrade its grade and perhaps enhance more items. "Yosh, I said in a good mood as two fortunate events happened to me right now. [Talent has detected Seven bodies of Lv.3~4 Forest Monkeys. What do you wish to do: Plunder them, dismantle them, or store them in inventory?] I choose plunder, as when can I use the next options men. (¨i©n¨i) The process started and ended in few seconds and corpse loses some weight like I notice that after plunder they got some absorbing type of effect. And thought that maybe the plundering of stats did this. [You''ve gained +3 Stamina, +2 Intelligence, +1 Strength, +1 Agility.] "Huh, hey isn''t it cheating like why they are so low." I said as in next seconds it told me the answer. [You''ve reached the limit of stat plunder please use it on higher level monsters.] "Oh, okay then," I said, realizing that if I could just squeeze out all of these low-rank monsters, I might become a god in ten days. (0 o 0) I then looked at my skeletons, whose time limit was already over and were about to disappear at any second. I decided to go into the next stage portal, thinking, why not? But before this, I decided to allocate some points into the attributes, which I was already prepared for. After allocation, the stats screen was like this: __ {Stats} : 150 --> 170 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: .85/minute = 17*.05) : 180 --> 200 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 1/minute = 20*.05) 14 --> 16 17 --> 18 15 --> 17 18 --> 20 14 --> 16 15 --> 16 Unassigned Stats: 00 40/41+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 30 [MAG: 20*1.5] 32+5 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ {Guys in these stats the plundered one are already included} Like what I was becoming right now I didn''t even believe myself right now. It shouldn''t be a level four guy stats. It should be off Lv.5~6 stats. "Like heck, bro even I am not accepting the fact then how will others, but what I can do as I can''t stop to plunder as this should make my progress very slow." I said as I know that people won''t understand, and I can''t stop the talent use. I was amazed as my fell of the remains of my summons and thought to go away as this much comrade mortality rate was to be happen. As they only have the life span of twenty minutes. But before that I should upgrade my sword right. I opened my talent screen to see available enchant. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. __ [Talent have detected the Basic Iron Sword (Enchanted), as the target to enchant or evolve.] [Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. [Sharpness and Attack Power]: Not available 2. [Durability of the Sword]: Not available 3. [Grade of the Weapon]: 25 Evo-enchant point + Additional things. 4. [Add another effect.]: Not available] "Huh wait where are other enchantment options, talent." I asked which I expect to be ignored but it did answer. [To enchant the item again, you first need to evolve its grade and then it''s enchantment can be unlock while also increasing the number of times of enchantment in particular grade.] "So can you evolve its grade for me." I asked as talent said. [Please add the additional things to increase its aspect. Talent have detected bodies of monster, scanning in progress.... Monster parts are not eligible for the sword to evolve, please use higher level monster body parts to continue the process.] "So, I need higher level monster parts huh, well maybe can find it in second stage and there is mini boss their right, let me try that one, maybe can get some help from its body." I said as I checked my MP and HP bar and saw them filled and filling up as time passes. My HP was already full while my MP was recovering one/minute due to increase in intelligence stat. And like this when I was about to enter the next stage when got some notification about something. {....} -- To be continued -- Chapter 78: Beginner Dungeon [17]: Stage Second (1) [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. Just as I was about to step through the second stage portal, a notification popped up, halting me in my tracks. "Huh, what do you mean that completing this hidden task increase my rate of dying like even handling a boss is already enough and now the chance of mutation is al... wait, it may be dangerous for normal one but for me isn''t it too much for a great opportunity." I said as my mind start working in high speed to increase my strength to the level where that boss of mutation level won''t be my much and second stage can become a good place for it. "Hey system is there any chance to increase its chance more." I asked as the notification ring before me. ''Hush, maybe that Lucas with his awesome luck can encounter that mutant. And also going to pull out his hidden trump card or some unknown card which he also didn''t know to kill it. Why fate let these fools get everything served in plates while we normal people have to earn it.'' I spoke. "Okay so means I have to find it by myself." I said and after the screen was slide down. I walked inside the portal leaving this place. __ I found myself in a forest-like biome similar to before, but this time the space beneath my feet was quite visible; in the first stage, I couldn''t see the ground due to the tall grass. "So perhaps it''s because the land is used for travel by monsters, huh? If I recall correctly, the second stage has Forest Wolves, Venomfang Snakes, and finally, the Alpha Wolf (mini boss)," I mused, recalling all the necessary information. "But wait, before that, why didn''t my skill level increase?" I wondered aloud as I glanced over my status screen. __ __ "What''s the reason, bro? I recall from my past life it should have been upgraded by now. Is the high-level grade of class interconnected with my way of leveling skills?" I pondered the theory, remembering that the level restriction for lower grades is quite stringent; an F rank can''t level up more than 10 levels, and E rank not more than 20, and so on until SS and SSS ranks, which have the 85 and 100 level caps, respectively. Therefore, they should possess higher leveling capabilities. Leveling up signifies that the individual utilizing the skill has achieved full proficiency and is now ready to advance to the next level. "Let''s see what level of proficiency I''ve reached after using my necromancer skills for so long," I mused as I opened the proficiency bar of the skills. __ (Active) {Lv.1} [46%] (Active) {Lv.1} [93%] (Active) {Lv.1} [86%] (Active) {Lv.1} [0%] (Active) {Lv.1} [0%] (Passive) {Lv.1} [36%] (Active) {Lv.1} [13%] (Active) {Lv.1} [0%] __ While I was at the proficiency check, I decided to check my weapon skill also. __ Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 1) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 36% Description: A passive skill that increases the user''s effectiveness with all weapons, providing enhanced accuracy, damage, and speed based on the weapon type currently equipped. Effect: Accuracy Boost: Increases hit chance by 5% with all weapon types. Damage Boost: Increases weapon damage by 10%. Attack Speed Boost: Increases attack speed by 5%. Weapon Proficiency: One-Handed sword: F (73%) __ Even my sword proficiency was about to level up in one handed sword. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hey look like I have to use them some time more until they got upgraded." I said and started to walk around the forest to get the wolves and snakes. I start walking around when my eyes fell on the pack of wolves walking toward me with low growls. I was also happy that now I don''t have to find these monsters as these are some aggressive type monsters who attack their preys first. "Okay here I come." I said as I rushed toward them to attack first while just used the skill to test the waters. An undead got summoned and with my orders it rushed toward the wolves as like before these wolves didn''t even flatter a bit and rushed toward the skeleton which got crushed in two minutes as by this, I got some information like those wolves even take some time to kill some like lesser version of mine. As the stats of the skeleton are derived from me. I was now prepared to confront the pack as I began walking towards them, fixated on a pile of bones. The wolves noticed my approach and started growling. I assumed my battle stance as they lunged at me, aiming for my hands. I swung my sword, striking one and sending it to the ground. Another wolf attempted to bite me, but I blocked it with my hands, although it managed to nip me as it clung on. I realized the other wolves were coordinating an attack to distract me while another aimed for a crippling blow. Understanding their tactic, I grabbed the wolf clinging to my hand and hurled it at the closest one. "Enough of this," I declared. "It''s time for you to meet your end." With that, I swung my blade at the nearest wolf, incapacitating it. Suddenly, I pivoted towards the second adversary circling me and slashed at it, forcing it to recoil, which made them wary of me. They lunged at me simultaneously, and I struck one down. Then, I cast a bolt of shadow at another. As the wolf falls back, crying in pain, many droplets of blood start falling onto the ground. All wolves maybe got shaken as they fall back after one of them howl but I didn''t follow them up as I didn''t want to waste stamina onto them. I looked at my health and mana to see that my mana was low again~~~~. And my health was also low due to some cuts from the wolves'' sharp claws. "After whole this stage, I got my HP down, I was thinking that I might can nail it down as full HP but maybe it got broken now." I said like losing a chance to get an achievement in a game. I looked around me to find two bodies of wolves lying around me and thought when will the notification will appear but maybe system got my thoughts. [You''ve gained 10 Evo-enchant Points. Total: 42.] "Okay now that''s good but what I can do with these points like...." I said as my fell on something which maybe needed a urgent enchant. -- To be continued -- Chapter 79: Beginner Dungeon [18]: Stage Second (2) [14th Everdusk 2103], Verdant Hollow dungeon, CGA branch. "Look like I have to use them on other things until got the required material for the grade evolution." I said as my eye start something to upgrade as something cause my eyes to stop on. "Ah yes my chainmail chest plate." I said as I thought to enchant it for better defense and mobility as maybe this was also a factor for my movement restriction. "But before that let me get those stats, boiiiissss~~~~~." I said as I used my talent, , as again the process started. The energy appeared from inside of me and start hovering above their bodies and notification appears. [Talent have detected 2~ Lv.6 Forest Wolf bodies. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I choose plunder as more things aren''t available right now. [No talent, skills, or abilities, bloodline detected. Stats identified.] [You''ve gained +2 Agility, +1 Stamina stat.] "Okay a good attribute I see here." I said as watch my stats rise in my stats screen. I can feel my body becoming light and my stamina increasing bit by bit as I was getting strong as time grows. Maybe I will be able to remove the weed I wish to do just from few weeks later. But let me first enchant my armor. __ {Basic Chain Mail Chestplate Type: Armor (Chest) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A beginner''s chain mail chestplate crafted from low-grade iron, designed for minimal defense. It provides adequate protection against weak physical attacks, suitable for those just starting their journey. Attributes: Defense: +5 Durability: 46/50 Weight: Moderate __ I looked at the basic effect and opened my talent to enchant it. [Talent has detected an item , what do you wish to do with this host.] "I wish to enchant it, like can you even do other things than this." I asked in fun but what I didn''t expect was answer. [Talent can enchant, evolve, modify, reanimate and ???????. The thing to the user wish.] "Huh so you can also bring back a broken item. And what the hell is that question mark stuff" I asked to which talent replied. [Talent can reanimate any item with necessary stuffs and the last option is not available till certain requirements are not achieved.] "Okay so show me the chestplate enchantment stuff." I said as another screen appeared to show me it''s option. [Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. [Sturdiness and Defense]: 4 Evo-enchant Point. 2. [Durability of the Chestplate]: 9 Evo-enchant point. 3. [Grade of the armor]: 40 Evo-enchant point + Additional things. 4. [Add another effect.]: 30 Evo-enchant Points + desired effect.] "What the hell, why is it so expensive like you increase every stuff rate this time." I asked as the talent didn''t reply to this time. "Oiii, tell me are you trying rip off my hard-earned points right." I said as I starting to look at the screen showing the options. "Yes, go now but I will surely be going to depth of this, I swear." I said as I closed every screen seen before me. "Talent choose the first and second and proceed with it for now until I gathered more things for the other things." I said as the system start working on it. [The process is being proceeded; it may take few minutes.] [1....4....7...9....11....18...25....29....32....39....44....51...59....64.....75...86.....93...100%] [Enchantment is successful, procced to check it.] __ Basic Chain Mail Chestplate (Enchanted) Type: Armor (Chest) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis (Rank 0) Description: A beginner''s chain mail chestplate enhanced with a basic enchantment. While still modest in appearance, the enchantment fortifies its defensive capabilities and durability, making it a reliable choice for budding adventurers. Attributes: Defense: +12 Durability: 80/80 Weight: Moderate __ "Oh noice~~~~~~, look like you even restore its durability tha...." Before I can say more, I hear some noise coming from beside me, few distance away from me, a pack of wolves was running toward me with bloodlust in their eyes. "Okay look like I didn''t have much time to eye my new enchanted chainmail." I said as I got ready to fight those wolves. They were eight in numbers as just as they approached me, the front one lunged at me to attack but my sword was prepared for it and I slashed him straight on his neck area, killing him in the process. Others start revolving around me and some even were glancing at the now dead wolf which didn''t stand up after the slash. Even I was shocked to find that I can one hit them, but my eyes fell on the cut on his neck and understand that maybe critical make it more deadly. I looked at the other wolves and smiled at them with a crazy look. "Okay come at me." I said as I now take initiative for the attack and slashed toward one of them which hit his back but didn''t kill him. Every wolf start attacking me in every direction and tried to restrict my movement, but I was prepared from back then. And quickly duck down while plunging my blade into one of them killing it also. Wolf body was stuck in my sword when I stand up and throw it at the other one. While running toward one of them attack it. The wolves now where cautious as there two comrades were dead in such quick time. But I didn''t care as now my mind was set to be aggressive. Now I was coming in to attack them now like before trying to lure them out of their team. I again attack on of them beheading it instantly from the blade chance skill of fire strike. Which set off as I nearly forgot it was in my blade. "Haha, now that''s what you call a massacre." I shouted while overpowering the wolves in my path of sight. I was attacking them nonstop as my blade was moving from one to another forming cuts on their bodies. And after these restless attacks, my stamina/fatigue was quite low/high due to which the injured wolves take the chance as four of them still alive tried to run away but this time, I was prepared and shoot toward one of them with sudden burst of speed killing them in swift motion as reducing number will only help me later more. As now in pack, only three were alive and five were dead, even those two were going to die soon, I was sure of it, but they got away from me. As after that my frenzy mind got settled into calm. "Huff, look like this adrenaline got onto me." I said as I saw the now dead wolves lying around everywhere and blood soaking the ground. As after some seconds, the notification starts appearing which got me happy due to the high amount of experience points. -- To be continued -- Chapter 80: Beginner Dungeon [19]: Stage Second (3) & Stats mystery. [You''ve gained 20 Evo-enchant points, being stored in talent.] "Oh, quite a good one number of points, if I say." I said as the points was getting higher as time goes and maybe I will get more as time goes by. And even check my MP bar to see it getting higher as time goes. "Perhaps I should attempt to rush through this stage; if my progress continues at this rate, I''ll only manage to clear the second stage by the time all students complete their tests," I mused, even though I wanted to hurry, my low stamina stat was more of a foe in disguise than an ally. The reason is that the stats displayed on our bodies may appear identical in number, but their values differ significantly. Take, for instance, two individuals who both have a strength stat of 12. It might seem they are equal, but that''s not the case, as each person''s stat conversion rate is unique. The first person with a strength of 12 might actually possess higher or lower strength in that particular stat area. To put it simply, his strength of 12 could be equivalent to 14 or 15 when compared to another person''s 12. In other words, one person''s 12 in strength could match another person''s 14 in the same stat. In my case, it''s straightforward: my stamina stat might be equivalent to 17, but it''s actually comparable to the 12-13 of an average person. This is why my stamina remains low, even though it''s twice the stat of a normal, unawakened person. {A/N: Let''s pause the theoretical discussion here, or you might become bored. I have many theories, but I wouldn''t want you to abandon this novel, dismissing me as a writer who overindulges in scientific explanations.} Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. <>, I said as my talent energy come from inside and hover above all the bodies of wolves. [Talent have detected 2~ Lv.7, 3~Lv.6 Forest Wolf bodies. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] "Plunder it, can''t you do it by yourself until I got the necessary skills for the following." I said but no answers as always. [No talent, skills, or abilities, bloodline detected. Stats identified.] [You''ve gained +3 Agility, +2 Intelligence, +1 Endurance, + 1 Stamina] "Yoooo~~~, nice stats huh." I said as check the stats screen to find increase in my strength. "If I can increase with this much speed, maybe I can reach Tier 1 strength while still being in Peak Tier 0." I said as I also tried to see what my summon skeletons stats look like now. __ Status Name: Skeleton Familiar Type: Undead Creature Grade: Basic Level: 4 Stats: [Health]: [85/85] [Mana]: [0/0] [Strength]: 8 [Agility]: 11.5 [Intelligence]: 0 [Vitality]: 8.5 [Attack Power: 23] [Defense: 14] Skills: None Undead Constitution: Passive Increases resistance toward poison, curse, and status effects by huge amount. __ "Okay, so if I''m not mistaken, if I am strong, then my skeletons are half as strong as me since their stats are half of mine. Just think, if mine are 100, then they have 50, and if I have 500, then they have 250, and so on. So maybe this class isn''t so bad, and perhaps I can improve my grade." I mused, envisioning myself trampling over numerous enemies with my skeleton army, but the fantasy was interrupted when I saw the disappearance timer. Shelving my dream for the moment, I began to venture deeper into the forest in search of wolves, and as if on cue, like wishing for something and receiving it as a gift. I had been walking for a while when I started to hear a chorus of howls and the sound of footsteps. I couldn''t pinpoint their origin, but once the enemy revealed itself, it became clear. More than a dozen wolves had encircled me, eyeing me as if I were a juicy chicken leg. "Ooo ohh~~~~," I uttered, but before I could finish, several wolves leaped towards me. However, I was not your average Joe who could be taken down by being outnumbered. I readied myself and swiftly delivered a fiery slash at one of the nearby wolves, dodging many others that were lunging at me. I began running in one direction to break free from their formation, knowing that standing there would accomplish nothing and that breaking their circle was the only way to gain the upper hand. I dispatched a few wolves that stood in my line of sight and broke free from the encirclement, which marked the beginning of my onslaught. I engaged the wolves attempting to bite or claw at me with a simple combat pattern: parry, dodge, block, and strike when the opportunity arose. I was becoming adept at it, and to ease the pressure, I even summoned my allies. Instantly, an undead skeleton wielding a rusty yet sharp blade materialized behind me. I commanded it to guard my rear until I had eliminated all the wolves in front of me. Deeply engrossed in the battle, I still kept an eye on my summon, wary of any issues that might arise, such as a wolf attacking from behind. However, my concerns may have been unfounded, as the skeleton capably handled three wolves that sought to flank me. Minutes later, I had nearly vanquished all the wolves before me, with two fleeing upon witnessing their pack''s defeat. Turning around, I saw my skeleton locked in combat with one wolf, another lay defeated, and a third was looking for an escape opportunity. But I guessed it and used my long-range skill to kill it. Instantly, a fang made of bone swiftly pierced the wolf and exited from the other side, killing it in the process. "Now that''s what you call a bullseye," I shouted, after which my summon finished off the wolf it was battling. "It looks like those few wolves who ran away from me back then brought quite a pack to kill me," I said as I found some bodies of wolves with previous cuts from the earlier confrontation. "Well, what can I do about this? Hi Skelly, collect all the bodies for me," I said, after which the skeleton put his sword down and started collecting the bodies of the wolves from around the field. And there I was, wondering how a slim skeleton could carry the heavy bodies of those wolves. It seemed like a lie happening right in front of me, but I couldn''t deny it as it was real. "Okay, let''s not go off-topic, and where the hell is... oh, it looks like I need to remind the system every time about the notifications." I was about to yell at the system, but before that, the notifications started appearing in front of me. -- To be continued -- A/N: Hey you, if got here while reading, then must''ve liked the novel, come join with us in this adventure which will become more refined as time passes through. Chapter 81: Beginner Dungeon [20]: Stage Second (4) & Poisonous Surprise [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. [550/250 EXP] [0/350 EXP] [You''ve gained 61 Evo-enchant points. Total points stored in talent: 110 (49+61)] "Wow, so many points from a single hunt. I think I will have to do a massive kill every time to get this much. And there is still this thing left right now. , I said as I saw my skeleton finish gathering all the bodies around. The total bodies were 13; perhaps the one who got away died while trying to escape. [Talent has detected a few bodies of Lv.5~6 Forest wolves. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] I choose plunder as again the process started, and energy appear and start hovering above the bodies scanning what can be plundered. [No talent, skills, abilities,or bloodline detected. Stats identified.] [You''ve gained +4 Agility, +2 Strength, +3 Vitality, +2 Intelligence, +3 Stamina] [The host has reached the maximum capacity to plunder the stats from Lv.6 and below living being, hunt high-level monster for plunder now.] "Oh, okay. I didn''t expect much from the Wolves anyway. The stats I just received are too high to comment on. However, plundering from fourteen enemies has been quite fruitful in many ways," I said as I called up my screen to check my progress, which was becoming impressive as time went by, in my opinion __ {Stats} : 200 --> 230 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: 1.15/minute = 23*.05) sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. : 240 --> 300 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 1.50/minute = 30*.05) 18 --> 22 27 20 --> 23 24 --> 30 17 --> 20 21 --> 25 Unassigned Stats: 20 --> 00 59+7[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 45 [MAG: INT*1.5] 45+12 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ "Sugoi, it seems my power is receiving a significant boost as these stats are not of a Level 6 individual, but rather of a Level 8 or 9. Perhaps one day I can become a boss-level unit," I said while envisioning defeating every opponent in a single hit and began walking away to hunt more. "Where is this mini boss? It would be good if he roams around the field like the others." I pondered, aiming to clear the second stage quickly and proceed to the third stage, as the students should have already entered the third one, and Lucas and Lyre might have killed the boss by now. "Hurry, hurry, let me be as quick as possible," I said, starting to run until I finally heard something. "Huh," I stopped in my tracks, looking at the bush moving slightly. I walked up toward it and was just about to stab it with my blade. Something unexpected happened as something leaped out from behind the leaves, startling me and causing me fall back. As I regained my composure, I saw what had emerged. It wasn''t a wolf or a boss but another living monster in the second stage, the Venomfang Serpent, a deadly creature comparable to a mini boss. Their bites are poisonous and capable of delivering a venomous attack. I watched the snake crawl towards me, hissing his tongue menacingly. "Please go away, please!" I shouted, but despite my plea, the snake didn''t stop. Instead, it crawled faster and tried to bite my leg. Thankfully, I swung my leg and backed away quickly. "Hah, I nearly got poisoned because of you, you stupid creature," I said. My words seemed to anger the snake, as it hissed at me and lunged. Unprepared, I raised my hand in defense. The snake bit me, its poisonous fangs piercing my skin. It tried to drive its fangs deeper, but instinctively, I pulled the snake away and threw it away from me. The snake slithered away as if satisfied with its attack. <-20 HP> I fall on the ground, crying out as my hand, where the bite spots were still fresh, is still holding on to it. Yes, the HP loss is not the issue, but the area where I was bitten was getting red and redder like some tomato while my veins were popping out like crazy. And after that the bitten holes start to feel itchy as they also start getting darker in colour while some dark blood start oozing out from them, increasing pain several time more. I tried to block my blood supply to the heart as it would cause the poison to spread in every part, maybe killing me in this process as then something popped in front of my retina. "F*ck, I know as I can see but what I can do now," I said as the pain was getting more intense while my hand was starting to get numb from the poison and pain as I pulled my sleeve up to find the same happening on my shoulder and I instantly knew what''s going to happen next. [172/230] "Look like this time I wasn''t even be able to reach Tier 1...., maybe I should have taken that absolute immunity that time....." I said while now my whole body was covered in black veins and pain was in all of my body. My eyes started to get dizzy as I felt that my life was passing away as time went by. I could see my HP rapidly lowering as time went on. [68/230] --> [61/230] --> [56/230] --> [49/230] --> [35/230] --> [28/230] --> [18/230] --> [9/230] --> [7/230] --> [5/230] --> [3/230] --> [1/230 HP] --> [????????????] -- To be continued -- What will happen next? Is he going to die? If he dies, then this novel concludes; if not, how did he survive? If you know the answer, please leave a comment. Also, one last thing. Hand over all of your P.S. Chapter 82: Beginner Dungeon [21]: Stage Second (5) & The might of the Third [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. I heard this, but no words came out of my mouth as immense pain coursed through my body. Then something changed as if something kicked in inside of me, like something helping me. "Wh....what," I said, conscious enough to understand and respond to what was happening around me. I was shocked about how I survived, but it seemed I didn''t have to find the answer as it came straight to my face. [Talent has detected a lowest grade of poison in host body, the awakening requirement have been confirmed.] [Talent have been awakened in the body. The body is being remodifies to fight of the poison.] [Talent has detected the poison to be enough to be form a skill, the skill creating is being process.] [1%.....23%.....34%.....67%.....89%.....100%] [Skill has been created, has been created, the initial poison is being ejected from host body] Just as the notification appeared, I felt something coming out of my mouth, a blob of dark red blood, sizzling slightly. I instantly understood what it was¡ªthe venom in my body, adapted by the talent and expelled to save my life. "And with this talent, I even gained some skill, even if it''s low level. Maybe it can be helpful later as resistance skills are quite rare and useful in many ways," I said, opening my HP bar to check its condition with the skill information. __ Low Poison Resistance (Lv. 1) Type: Passive Skill S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Grade: Tier 0 Proficiency: 0% Description: Grants basic resistance to low-level poisons, reducing their effectiveness and duration. This skill provides a slight edge against toxins encountered in beginner-level adventures. Effects: Reduces damage from low-level poisons by 10%. Shortens the duration of low-level poison effects by 15%. __ [8/230 HP] [181/300 MP] "Why is my health so low, and my mana points significantly higher at this moment?" I asked the system. "Okay, so then, being sleeping in the middle of a dungeon with low health is like offering myself as prepared food for monsters," I said, deciding to move away from the place as wolves might come chasing me. I was shocked to find that I had been lying here for an hour and no monster had come. I start moving as I was ready to cast skill to save myself, but nothing happened for some time as I was happy for it, but my pace of action was getting back very slow, and it might take me more than two hours to get to full health from now on. Just before I could move forward, I heard the sound of leaves shifting as three snakes of the same color crawled down from the tree, hissing at me in anger. "Oh, so you all are here, huh? Good. I was expecting to find you all and eliminate you before my boss battle, as you may become a hindrance later," I said. If we left some monsters alive, there was a small chance the boss could summon a high number of allies, which would only tire me more. And with a small chance, it may be like 15% or something, but with my luck, I can''t take this as merely 15%. In reality, it might be 90-95% for me, as usual. "Okay, let me clear the debt your comrade or one of you left me with," I said as I used my skill to summon my ally. Two undead skeletons walked out of the formation and stood in front of me. With their usual tattered clothes and rusty swords. "Alright, show them what you are made of ¨C bones, of course ¨C and tear those venomous serpents apart," I commanded. Upon receiving the order, the two skeletons began running toward the three serpents and attacked them. Despite being only Level 6, their stats were unusually high, making it easy to confront Level 9 serpents. My two summon were doing well until one of them fell due to an attack on its leg, causing the balance to break. Seeing summons being overpowered by the serpents was not favorable for me, so I decided to use my skills to assist them. "Ah, come on, they still aren''t levelling up," I said for my skills while aiming at the serpents group. The bolt shot toward them and instantly dried up so much bar of the three serpents as before my summons could kill them. I stopped them from doing it as I needed to do something for which these three can be used. I approached them and swiftly used my sword to sever the heads of serpents'' heads at a precise length, ensuring that their poison sacs remained intact. I then stored the heads in my inventory, awaiting the notification to appear, and prepared to use the plunder talent on them. [85/350 EXP] [You''ve gained 20 Evo-enchant points. Total: 130 (110+20)] , I said as the process started with energy hovering above the three serpents'' bodies. [Talent has detected few bodies of Lv.7~8 Venomfang Serpents, what do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] I choose plunder like why this talent is asking me this so much time, can''t it choose by itself. [No talent, skills, abilities, few degraded bloodlines (not suitable) detected. Stats identified.] [You''ve gained +2 Agility, +1 Intelligence, +1 Strength. The degraded bloodline, has been ejected from the host body for not being suitable.] "Oh, so these small serpents have a bloodline, huh? But what can I do as talent deemed them unworthy then... wait, isn''t my bloodline of that serpent also unworthy? Hey, talent, mind checking this bloodline?" I said as I pulled out the unknown bloodline vial. [Scan completed. The bloodline is suitable for host use. Recommended to use after a certain strength is reached to avoid mutation through the process.] The talent told me, shocking me with the answer. "Hey, wait, then why is that bloodline not suitable, and why this? Are you also modified by those thrones, huh? Answer me." I shouted, but nothing came back from the system, as if they didn''t deem my question worthy of an answer. "I swear, whoever is behind this, I will kill you," I said while roaring toward the sky. {A/N: Why am I feeling chills here? My feet are all cold right now.} But maybe it was not a good choice, as I was able to hear the noise of wolves running around me, and I had to hide as I couldn''t fight in this situation. -- To be continued -- Okay, guys, time''s up for today. What''s going to happen next? Will Evan get ambushed by wolves, or will he get away? And why did he take those heads with him? Is he going to make or sell them for a profit? We don''t know, but surely it will be revealed in the next chapters, maybe. Chapter 83: Beginner Dungeon [22]: Stage Second (6) & Skills level up [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. In the forest of the second stage, someone was hiding in one of the bushes while outside, several wolves were running around trying to find something¡ªthat something was me, hiding in the bushes to save myself from the group. I had never seen such a large group of wolves while roaming the forest, but now they were searching for me like it was some treasure hunt. If you ask why I have not been caught yet, it is because my blood was lying around the area, confusion for the wolves'' sense of smell, which prevented them from finding me. After a long time of searching and finding nothing, the wolves moved away from location, finally giving me enough time to catch my breath. My HP and MP were already full, like before, and I could now fight the monsters to clear the stage. But still some sluggishness was still there as I can feel my body still aching a little which wasn''t going to stop for few days. "Okay but before going let me do some important thing or my life would be in danger again." I said as I pulled up my screen to see the three skills which I can instantly level for now as levelling them can help me get some power up in some way or another. __ (Active) {Lv.1} [99%] (Active) {Lv.1} [98%] (Passive) {Lv.1} [0%] __ I can increase their proficiency at any moment with a single use, but you might be wondering how I am going to level up the third skill, which is currently at zero. To achieve this, I take out three items obtained after killing the three snakes: their heads. Their bodies have already been taken away by wolves that found them here. What a filthy group of monsters, taking away my hunted monster bodies. I have no idea why they took the bodies, but it doesn''t matter. I examined the three heads and opened their mouths to find the intact fangs of the Venomfang serpents, which will help me here. I then put away two of the heads and, with great will and courage, placed my hands below the fangs and pressed the upper area of the head. As the mouth closed, the two little fangs pierced my skin, causing pain. You might think I am mad or crazy to put myself in such a deadly position again, but what I am doing is correct. The ways to use the resistance skill are limitless, and their proficiencies grow very slowly if you do not meet the correct requirements. In the future, a hunter who discovered this information before dying would reveal that whatever resistance you have, whether it be physical, elemental, status effects, or environmental resistance, can be increased rapidly by exposing yourself to its properties. I did this by injecting poison into my body to increase its proficiency level. And it worked, as I could see a rapid increase in the proficiency of the skill. It stopped at 34% but the pain was getting high as I figured out that the poison overpowered my resistance and now my HP was going down, again causing me pain and soreness in my hand. But before it could go higher, my hidden thing lying inside of my soul got to work and again the pain start fading away as refreshment start oozing inside of me. And yes, the thing that did it was my talent. [Talent has noticed a poison coursing through the host body, detecting the area of effect.] [Poison is detected to be of the same type as before. The poison is being ejected out of the body, the proficiency of the skill, , is being increased due to the body adjusting to the host.] [34% --> 51%] I, who was expecting to just gain proficiency with the poison, didn''t expect that I could even acquire poison resistance with my talent. These are truly what we call cheats. "Yosshhaaa, it looks like my plan can move quite fast with my talent," I said, as I wasn''t expecting my talent to help me in it. Without any hesitation, I took out my second head and plunged the fangs into my hand again. This time, my body didn''t feel pain like before, but it was expected as I was also going to find some more snakes to get the poison. [51% --> 72%] After the pain faded away like nothing was there, I understood what happened. My body had become accustomed to this low-grade poison, which wouldn''t be able to increase my skill proficiency as much as before, even if I killed all the snakes here. In a last-ditch effort, I took out my last third head. Instead of piercing my hand with it as before, I cut open its mouth area and extracted a sack of liquid, where the poison was stored inside the serpent. Without any hesitation, I gulped it down, not caring about the monster''s blood. As planned, my talent quickly took action, which was what I wanted. [Talent has detected a dangerous fluid inside the host body, starting the process to adapt the body to endure the poison.] [Body remodeling is in process. The fluid is detected to be poison, which is highly dangerous to the body. Resistance of the body toward the poison is increasing in proficiency. The poison is ejected from the body. Note: Please be cautious of dizziness.] As it said, I felt like throwing up again, and with a loud sound, all the poison I had gulped down came out of my body along with various other liquids, maybe the food I ate this morning. My stomach was now totally empty because my talent ejected everything inside me. "Okay so here are my second and third one." I said as instantly two of my skills was used by me to level up them. I was happy to see finally some of my skills getting at level two, but I know that there shouldn''t be any major change in them just some minor difference that''s all. __ Skill: Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 2) Type: Active Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 11 MP Cooldown: 9.5 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Summon a sharpened fang of bone imbued with stronger dark energy to strike a target with increased lethality. The enhanced attack pierces defenses more effectively, inflicting amplified physical and dark magic damage. Upon impact, the bone fang splinters more violently, causing greater sustained damage over time. Damage: Physical Damage: 55% of the caster''s physical attack. Dark Magic Damage: 55% of the caster''s magic attack. Effects: Piercing: Ignores 12% of the target''s defense. Bone Harvest (Passive): Recover 12% of the mana cost if the skill kills the target. __ Skill: Shadow Bolt (Lv. 2) Type: Active Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 21 MP Cooldown: 7.5 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Unleash an enhanced bolt of concentrated shadow energy at a target, delivering more potent dark magic damage. The improved bolt has an increased chance to inflict Shadow Bind, briefly slowing the target''s movement with greater intensity. Damage: Dark Magic Damage: 110% of the caster''s magic attack. Additional Effect: S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Shadow Bind: Reduces the target''s movement speed by 25% for 3.5 second. (Chance to inflict 30%) __ {Guys, the poison resistance skill info is not updated in the previous chapter, so if you wanted to see it, go check it out there.} __ Skill: Low Poison Resistance (Lv. 2) Type: Passive Skill Grade: Tier 0 Proficiency: 0% Description: Enhances the ability to resist low-level poisons, further mitigating their effects. Provides increased protection against toxins commonly encountered in novice adventures. Effects: Reduces damage from low-level poisons by 12%. Shortens the duration of low-level poison effects by 20%. __ After seeing the upgrade, my mind was calm. I now know that I can level up the skills; I just need some extra time to become proficient. And now I am ready to clear this stage off and call out the hiding boss here to clear the stage. -- To be continued -- Chapter 84: Beginner Dungeon [23]: Stage Second (7) & Cleaning off the stage [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. In the second stage of the Verdant Hollow dungeon, we observed some wolves fleeing in terror, their faces filled with fear. Skeletons pursued them, and behind them was their summoner¡ªme. I appeared menacing, my sword blade dripping with blood, not mine, but that of the monster I had just slain. The wolves, exhausted and covered in wounds from previous battles, could not escape. In contrast, my skeleton remained unscathed and tireless. After a relentless chase, I finally killed the two fleeing wolves and ordered the skeletons to bring them back to the previous battle area, which I had left to hunt them. We returned to the raging, where two skeletons had finished gathering the bodies of wolves and snakes scattered on the ground. The two hunted wolves were added to the small heap of carcasses. "Okay, just come and give me some good things now, system, as it''s al..." I was about to say when notifications started appearing in front of me. [590/350 EXP] [240/400 EXP] [You''ve gained 273 Evo-enchant points. T.P: 403 (273+130)] "Oh my god, it seems that deadly move worked," I said, now able to hunt down the boss who was roaming the area. I looked at my summons, which were dissolving into ashes, and said, "Well, you all can rest now." They truly helped me complete this plan, which would have failed without the necessary army strength. , I said as my talent started working again, and energy hovered above the dead bodies of wolves and serpents. [Talent have detected 23~Lv.5-6 Forest wolves, 7~ Lv.7-8 Venomfang serpents. Low-level serpents can''t be plundered. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] [The plundering process of the Venomfang serpents is being processed.] The screen starts loading as I choose to plunder the bodies. [No talent, skills, abilities, few degraded bloodline part (not suitable) detected. Stats identified.] [You''ve gained +3 Strength, +1 Agility, +1 Vitality, +2 Endurance, +2 Intelligence. The degraded bloodline is ejected from the body.] "Hey talent can''t we store that bloodline I got from bodies." I said which the talent infact replied. [It can be a possible host, but the bloodline should be in a low amount, and it might not cause the person to take it as a benefit as the low amount may not provide the necessary boost to the user. And to avoid that, you''ve to kill a massive number of monsters to get a sufficient portion of the bloodline due to being degraded.] "Okay, so I need to find some good bloodlines for future help," I said as I was making a plan to get some quick money in bulk by selling the bloodlines, as they were in high demand. And yes, I was telling you about the story that happened... After I left the area and completed leveling up my skills, I decided to hunt them all quickly. However, the problem was that it would take me much longer to do so if I used the same method as before. ''So, what do I do now?'' I thought while walking away when I remembered something and came up with a plan. "Yes, I can use the method to get a large number of wolves located around the forest in one swoop, but it may become quite deadly for me if I''m unable to reduce their numbers quickly. But... argh, let''s just do this and think later," I said, as I wasn''t initially ready for it but had to do it since I didn''t have any other way to clear the stage more efficiently. I then started looking for a group and luckily found a small one. It consisted of two wolves, which was not perfect for the plan, but I could manage it. Both wolves started running towards me, but I didn''t falter and rushed toward them to attack. Our battle began, which wasn''t much of a battle but more of an exchange of attacks. My blade, with insane speed, rushed toward one of the wolf''s necks, and before it could react, I sliced off its head, which fell to the ground. I then dodged another attack from the second wolf, who was shocked to see its comrade lying on the floor, headless. It was so scared and its whole body was shaking like withering leaves as it couldn''t comprehend how its comrade died. The wolf realized that the person standing in front of must be very strong. He took a chance to escape as the wolf lunged at me, swinging its claws toward me. I blocked the attack and backstepped a few times, pretending to fall away, which allowed the wolf to run. As the wolf started to escape, I tried to chase it, but it quickly disappeared, maybe allowing it to get away. He planned to let some wolves escape to get help and bring more monsters. He acted as if he had been pushed away by the attack, but in reality, he could have easily dodged or defended against it or even killed the wolf in one swoop. However, that would have caused the wolf to fall into despair. This strategy ensured that the wolf would not die immediately and would call for other wolves. His plan worked, as a few minutes later, a large pack of wolves appeared, numbering more than fifteen, with many at level 7, higher than his level. Despite this, he did not feel scared and used his ally-increasing skill. In this case, the high-level serpents were also involved in the hunt pursuit. As four undead appear to guard my back, I realize I won''t be able to defeat the wolves if my back is left unprotected. Wolves are intelligent and tend to attack the critical areas of their prey for an instant kill, and my undefended back is quite an attraction. I started attacking the wolves that were coming at me from all sides. Even though my HP was rapidly decreasing from the continuous assault, I did not retreat. With each passing moment, my attacks became more precise, and I felt a profound change within me. My blade movements were becoming refined, and I discovered the reason as I looked at the update. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. __ Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 1) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 76% Description: A passive skill that increases the user''s effectiveness with all weapons, providing enhanced accuracy, damage, and speed based on the weapon type currently equipped. Effect: Accuracy Boost: Increases hit chance by 5% with all weapon types. Damage Boost: Increases weapon damage by 10%. Attack Speed Boost: Increases attack speed by 5%. Weapon Proficiency: One-Handed sword: E (01%) __ My weapon proficiency has advanced to another stage, and I can feel myself improving in the use of the blade. My attacking, defending, and evading skills have become better, though the changes were not noticeable until someone with great perception observed them. I was delighted to realize my growth with every swing of my blade. "Yosh, I am fired up," I said with joy as I began killing the wolves, one after another, as you all know what happened after that. -- To be continued -- Hello guys, hope you all liked the chapter. Goodbye, and see you again tomorrow with another chapter. (¡ñ''?''¡ñ) Chapter 85: Beginner Dungeon [24]: Stage Second (8), Finishing the boss. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. I looked at the heap of corpses and, after giving them another glance, decided to walk away as there was nothing else to do. Most of the monsters roaming around had been killed, and only a few, including the boss, remained. I resolved to find him to progress to the next stage. "But where should he be right now?" I wondered aloud while walking away from the area. A few minutes later, in the same place where Evan had left, a figure appeared, running from the opposite direction. It was a wolf by body structure, but its fur and body size were different from normal. Bloodlust was evident in its eyes as it eyed the small heap of corpses, which included its pack members. "Growl..." it growled in anger and began sniffing for the suspect. It caught the scent of someone and immediately disappeared from the spot, heading in the direction Evan had gone. Several meters away, I was walking, lost in thought, when I remembered something. "Oh, I nearly forgot about the thing," I said, recalling the ten unassigned points I had received from leveling up to Lv.7. I called up the screen and allocated points as I deemed necessary. __ __ "I should be cautious now as that wolf can attack me anytime," I said, as I was eyeing my status screen to find something interesting when I heard the sound of bushes moving. Just before I could look back, I felt a huge force hitting my back, sending me flying toward a tree. The tree couldn''t hold me and my body, and after crashing into it, it was destroyed. I continued flying, destroying several trees in my path. I, who didn''t know what had happened, quickly plunged my blade into the ground to stop myself and looked back toward the place I came from, feeling intense pain as blood droplets from my back fell to the ground. "Arghhh... it feels like several needles are poking continuously," I said as I tried to touch the wound caused by something, but I couldn''t tell what it was. I looked in that direction, and then a silhouette appeared from that direction. "Looks like I made a mistake by thinking about the boss," I said as I saw it growling at me with intense rage. "Huh, a single wolf... wait, it isn''t a normal one. Looks like I don''t have to look around for you as the prey is already here to try and hunt the predator, huh." I said as I thought the boss should be in a pack, but here it was, standing alone in front of me. While thinking, I stood up from the ground with some crackling sounds coming from my back due to crashing times into the trees. "You will pay for the damage, b*t*h," I said as I rushed toward it. The Alpha wolf also rushed toward me with its massive body strike and its deadly-looking claws, which I defended against with my sword. ''Even after the increase in stats the plunder, I am less powerful than the boss, and why wouldn''t I be, as titles aren''t meant for show or something,'' I thought as I continued to block the attacks of the angry boss, whose eyes were filled to the brim with the madness of killing me. I then decided to try a different approach as blocking the attacks only will cost me my sword which I just enchant. "Okay so you really leave me no choice." I said as I backed away from the restless attacks of boss and conjured skills to make some distance in ourselves. Both Fang and Bolt were launched toward the boss after another, with Bolt reaching the boss first due to its speed and injuring him on his back. Upon seeing the attack, the Alpha dodged the fang, as it could not withstand such an assault at the same time. The boss''s HP bar appeared above his head, with a few chunks depleted after the hit, indicating that the wolf''s defense was not very high. As my confidence built up, I moved toward the boss attack, which was my biggest mistake. When I rushed in to fight, he showed no fear or concern, as if the wound was insignificant and his fighting capability was unaffected. Unlike me, who was still feeling pain from the boss''s hidden attack, the Alpha remained in good health, and his speed showed no signs of diminishing. His attack speed was still the same, or perhaps even higher, as rage burned in his eyes. I was now blocking the attacks with ease, as I could gauge the wolf''s strength and, after measuring its attack power and speed, I realized the stat difference between us was not significant. I stared at the big wolf, ready to pounce, but before I could react or prepare for its attack, the wolf disappeared. Shocked, I tried locating to where it was, but the wolf was already in front of me, swinging its claws. Luckily, I raised my hands in defense, preventing severe damage. I backed away, looking at the wolf, ready to move again. I could feel my grip strength and hand power decreasing slightly but not significantly. My hands were now stained with my blood, not the monster''s, as I felt the pain but had no time to soothe it. I looked at the wolf, confused as to why it didn''t attack me when I was weak, then realized its skill must be on cooldown. "Oh, so even you have a cooldown," I thought after seeing that it didn''t attack me now. My two summoned skeletons appeared as I ordered them to take some time off the boss while I planned something. I didn''t have much stamina or mana left to spam my way inside. [72/340 MP] "Looks like only using that method is now okay in this situation," I said as I pulled out my screen to see one of my skills which I haven''t used much right till now as it''s need was not necessary. I sneakily walked toward the boss, who was engaged with my skeletons, and I quickly ran up to his side and slashed with my full strength as I used my skill. By some unknown stroke of luck, my sword''s random flame ability activated as I delivered a heavy blow to the boss. The boss''s attention was drawn by the light of the flames, but before he could react, my sword had already made contact with his fur, which was burned as the blade pierced his skin and began to cut through his muscle. The cutting stopped midway as the fire was extinguished by the blood before I could exert more strength. The wolf disappeared and reappeared in a nearby location. The side of his stomach was severely damaged by my attack, with much of the fur in that area burned and blood continuously oozing from the wound. As the boss''s HP dropped below half, his demeanor changed, and a glint of light appeared in his eyes. He howled into the air and waited as noises began occurring beside me. I knew what it was¡ªthe summon. It was a skill that allowed some monster bosses to call for help when in danger. But perhaps my fear was unfounded, as fewer than five wolves appeared. Only three came to aid their pack leader. The reason was not that they failed to appear but that the others were already dead, killed by me. Before confronting the boss, I had eliminated the pack, leaving only these three. The most exciting part was seeing the sly and cunning expression vanish from the alpha''s face, as he expected more than ten wolves to come to his aid. The actual number was pitiful. I and my summons were ready to fight, and I ordered them to finish the wolves while I moved toward the boss, who was now dead serious. I was prepared for all his tricks, and these next blows would decide his fate. If he succeeded, he would live; if not, he would die, as was the case for me. Our exchange of attacks resumed. The wolf tried to strike with his claws and even bite me, but nothing worked. The massive blow I had delivered changed his movements entirely. He was now slow, and the power of his attacks was weak. I knew the reason: the wound I inflicted was too large to stop bleeding on its own. Blood was pouring out, and HP was dying every minute. Even if I did nothing, he would die. But I didn''t want to prolong the fight, so I started attacking aggressively, landing many blows on his head and body. The fur and defense of his body were quite tough, as the marks were shallow compared to before, which I understood to be due to skill and the effect of flame. I was observing everything: my HP, the boss''s HP, and the skeletons who had just finished off killing the wolves. I found that the boss''s health bar was nearly depleted, and he was on his last stand. One more attack and he would be dead. It looked at me, and he stared back with a deathly expression, as if saying, "If I''m going down, I''ll pull you down with me." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I was ready for the last exchange of attacks. The wolf disappeared again, and I looked around to find where he would appear. He materialized northeast of my body and struck at my throat, trying to kill me. But I was prepared for this move and plunged my blade straight into the alpha''s body, ending its life. "Sorry, buddy, but I am not bound to die here. Not even the gods can stop me from achieving my goals this time. So just lie down and embrace the sleep you deserve," I said as I saw the wolf trying to lift its paw. It fell, as the battle had ended, and I was the sole winner... no, we were the winners of the battle, I thought, looking at my trusted bones allies. -- To be continued -- Chapter 86: Beginner Dungeon [25]: Stage Second (9), Stage clear and upgrade. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. After killing the wolf boss, I took a breath of relief and fell on the ground just before the dead body, and looked at the body to wait for the thing I was waiting for. As it appeared in few seconds of wait. [600/400] [200/450] [You''ve gained 43 Evo enchant points. T.P: 446 (403+43)] S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. , I used my talent on the bodies of wolf and boss as I know I won''t get anything from the other wolves, but I have many expectations from this boss plundering stat bonus. [Talent has detected 3~Lv.7 forest wolves, 1~Lv.10 Alpha wolf (mini boss). What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, Store.] I choose the plunder as usual as the process again repeated and mysterious energy come out from my body and hovering about the body of mini boss. [No talent, abilities, few degraded bloodline part (partially suitable) detected. Stats and Skill identified.] [You''ve gained +4 STR, +3 AGL, +3 VIT, +2 INT, +3 END, +3 STA, skill and a degraded partial suitable bloodline is available for use.] [Do you wish to assimilate the bloodline in your body: Yes/No] "No system, just reject it, as that bloodline might not grant me the power I desire. Release it; I don''t want to waste time explaining to someone who didn''t comment on anything after what I said or gone through." I said to the screen as the bloodline was ejected from my body. A small droplet of blood floated out and fell onto the ground, getting absorbed by the dirt. Suddenly, a notification that I didn''t expect came knocking on my door, which was what I wanted right now. [Talent has detected the body of the Alpha wolf to be suitable for the grade evolution of items.] [Please proceed if you wish to upgrade the items.] "Okay look like my work in third stage will be much easier now." I said as I firstly decided to allocate my given points and then will procced to upgrade my armor and sword. I called out my system screen to use the unassigned points, I got in the level up. __ __ The stats assignment may look clumsy, like a gamer trying to balance all his stat points in a game, but it was necessary. The path I was following did not require specialization in a single attribute like strength, agility, or intelligence. Instead, it required a balanced approach, which I realized after being hit by the alpha. The attack broke my defense, much like a big guy kicking a small guy. I decided that my stats should be balanced to make me a more versatile and powerful character. With my class, I can dominate everyone if I play my cards right, even against an SSS-rank class prodigy. Some might find me crazy, but the path I am on will lead to destruction, not by others, but by me, as it is a path no one else can walk. "Okay, now that the stats are in place, let me upgrade my blade and armor before moving forward," I said as I pulled out the talent screen to select my sword for enchantment and evolution. [Talent has detected the item as the item selected to be enchanted/evolved.] [Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. [Sharpness and Attack Power]: N/A 2. [Durability of the Sword]: N/A 3. [Grade of the Weapon]: 25 Evo-enchant point + Additional things. 4. [Add another effect.]: N/A] "I choose the option 3rd and tell me how you wish to take the material from its corpse." I asked as maybe I have to put items on the sword or take out them separately to finish the evolution. [Talent suggests host to put the sword onto the corpse to start the process.] I just did as it said, but before it could start, I also took out my armor to enhance it. "Hey, could you also do the chainmail for me." I said as again the scanning begin to check the item. [Detected item, , as the item selected to be enchant/evolve.] [Please choose the aspect you wish to enhance: 1. [Sturdiness and Defense]: N/A 2. [Durability of the Chestplate]: N/A 3. [Grade of the armor]: 40 Evo-enchant point + Additional materials. 4. [Add another effect.]: 30 Evo-enchant Points + desired effect.] "Okay so I choose the grade of the armor to be evolve and use the material of that wolf body." I said as I also put down the chainmail onto the body. [To evolve the grade of item, , please first complete clear all the aspects upgrade before using the evolution aspect.] "Huh, what do you mean, you can''t upgrade its grade before I use the other one to enchant? Wait, now I understand. You wanted to cheat me by using the points I earned to put some effect on my armor to make it worthless later on, and I would become sad to find my hard-earned points wasted. But listen, I am not an easy guy to fool like you, so just evolve it." I said, but what I got in return was absolute silence from it, as if it didn''t even take my words seriously right now. "Argh... can''t you just give in and evolve them both right now?" I said, but it didn''t do anything at all, and after that I had to do what it wanted. "Okay, so you won''t let me upgrade. Then it''s simple: I will just put some random stuff on it and do it then. Then you will be happy, right?" I shouted, as there was no danger to be scared of now. But after getting no reply, I sat on the ground and started doing something while focusing on the ground, but nothing happened. As time went by and my face and back were drenched in sweat from doing something, I started to feel the changes. After a few more minutes, I succeeded in what I needed, as in front of me on the ground, a small pebble-sized area of earth was rising from the ground as if it had grown up from it. Yes, the thing I was doing right now was using my ability, , specifically the earth element. It may seem easy to use, but without the necessary experience, it can take a long time. However, what I achieved was possible due to my high-rank ability and mana usage, just like with my fire manipulation. Though it took me time to mold and use, it did work. I was content as I walked near the corpse of Alpha, where my blade and chainmail armor lay. I used the ability again, and after a few seconds, a small pebble-like piece of dirt rose from the earth. With great caution, I picked it up and placed it with the armor, infusing it with as much mana as I could release. Although my mana was not great, something was better than nothing. I began the process before the mana could mix with the surroundings. "Hurry talent, enchant and evolve the remaining aspects of both items," I said as the screen appeared, allowing me to feel at ease and carefree. [Talent has detected all the necessary things prepared for the process to begin. The required points are being deducted from the storage.] [ 110 (95 + 15) EEP {extra for effect support}, T.P: 336 EEP] "Hey, it''s light cheating to take extra points in the name of support for effect which I didn''t need," I said as what I did with dirt pebble was channeling the earth element energy into it and use the energy as the effect to increase the defense of it by some minor and didn''t think that talent will be able to get the effect even from a little of it. [The process is being completed. Wait for a few moments.] It said as the energy covering the items and corpse was too heavy to look inside and then only started to fade away as the new looks of the items were in front of me as the data got in front of which caused me to get shocked as my eyes come out of my sockets approx. Completely. -- To be continued -- Hello guys and hope you like the chapter and guys what do you think he saw to react like this, comment if you know something or wanted to suggest. Chapter 87: Beginner Dungeon [26]: Second stage (10/last), Skill and evolution. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. The item and the leftover body of the mini boss appeared before me, and what came into view was completely different. Firstly, the corpse was missing several parts; the skin and fur of the alpha wolf were gone, several ribs were missing, and his fangs and teeth had been removed. Then my eyes fell on my items, particularly the chest mail armor, which had undergone a significant transformation. The chainmail was now mostly hidden behind the fur and skin of the monster, likely embedded with the skin. It was quite capable of stopping my powered blade attack with skill and flame effect. The blade had a dark shade glint to it. I was not shocked, as the alpha wolf might have had some shadow element properties due to his bloodline being that of a shadow wolf king, which specialized in the shadow element. I opened the screen to look at its information, which blew my mind as the details were overwhelming and completely different from before. My weapon, which may have appeared normal, had undergone significant changes, greatly increasing its value. If anyone else were to see it, they would surely try to claim it, as such items are very rare to find here. __ Duskfang Vest (Enchanted) Type: Armor (Chest) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0) Description: A beginner''s chain mail chest plate evolved through expert craftsmanship and enhanced with a refined enchantment turning into a fine piece of art. Its defensive capabilities and durability have been significantly improved, offering protection comparable to higher-quality equipment while remaining suitable for novice adventurers. Attributes: Defense: +20 Durability: 120/120 Weight: Moderate High ---------------------------------------- Ember Fang (Enchanted) Type: Weapon (One-Handed Sword) Grade: Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0) Description: Once a simple iron sword, Ember Fang evolved into a weapon of legend after merging with the fiery and shadow-infused essence of an Alpha Wolf (Lv. 10) by an unknown power. This blade flickers with dark embers, embodying the destructive synergy of shadow and flame. Attributes: Attack Power: +20 S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Durability: 100/100 Weight: Light Special Effects: Enhanced Fire Strike: 25% chance to deal an additional 70% of the weapon''s attack power as shady fire-based magical damage on hit. Veiled Predator: If the wielder attacks a target unaware of their presence (e.g., from stealth or surprise), the attack deals 50% increased damage. __ First, my eyes fell on the names of the items, which were completely different from before. After evolution, they evolved into the Vernis+ grade, something never seen before, like it was something no one had ever seen in their entire life. The grade of items in the Zeroth tier was Vernis > Caldo > Erith. There were no signs of (-) or (+) in them, as they were plain items for hunters. Then I thought, maybe this point looter talent should have semi-evolved it and named this grade Vernis+ Grade. "Hey, talent, where is my Caldo grade weapon and armor? Answer me, don''t try to act mute, answer meeeee." I waited for so long, but nothing happened as they didn''t answer about it. Not even the system told me anything, as if they were quite perfect and didn''t need to explain. After struggling for no reason, I decided to look at my status one last time before moving inside the third stage. As my eyes fell on a new thing in my skill menu, it was something I didn''t expect to get and nearly forgot to check in the excitement of the up grade in grade. I decided to check its description when a notification appeared. [Talent has detected that the skill is not in a usable form for the host''s body. The skill design is being modified to meet the host''s needs. The process is ongoing, please wait for a moment.] Process is complete, skill __ Shadow Leap (Lv. 1) Type: Active Skill Mana Cost: 25 MP Cooldown: 12 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Harness the agility of shadows to leap up to 10 meters toward a target with a precise strike. This swift movement allows for enhanced power, enabling agile combat maneuvers in both offense and defense. Effects: Leap Strike: Instantly closes the distance, dealing +10% of Base Attack damage upon impact. Shadow Momentum: Slightly boosts attack power by 5% for the next attack within 3 seconds of landing. __ As the information was displayed on the screen, the skill seemed quite advantageous to me, as it could help me gain momentum and surprise my enemies. The new effect on my sword, named Veiled Predator, increases damage when I am in stealth or when my prey is unaware of my position. While I was happily examining my items, my eyes fell upon the portals that had emerged a few minutes ago after the monster''s defeat. A screen appeared in front of them, showing my options. I approached them and saw that the red one indicated the third stage, while the green one was the way out. But was I going to leave? No. So, I clicked "no" on the green one and closed it, even if my brain hesitated for a moment.... "Huh, do you think I would say that? Absolutely not. I''m going in, and that''s final." I said, determined to achieve my goal and gain the power that could only be obtained this way. Just before I could step into the third-stage portal, I received a notification that I had anticipated. I saw the notification and shook my head in response, knowing that I don''t have the luck to achieve that 0.1% non-mutant boss. If I did, maybe I would have been a destined one (mc). I closed the notification bar and entered the portal, after which I disappeared, leaving behind the dead body of the alpha boss. The whole forest fell silent when the ground started shaking, and the sky broke apart as if a god had descended. However, what actually happened was the destruction of the stage to create another for the next raider. I had already reached the place where I should be, and what I saw here was different from the previous stage forest because here there was... -- To be continued -- Hello, guys, and I hope you like the chapter. Chapter 88: Beginner Dungeon [27]: Third stage (1) [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. While Evan walked inside the third stage portal during his dungeon raiding. Outside the dungeon, we can still see the teachers looking toward the raiding board over the dungeon, on which many names were written, indicating their condition and current location. The first rank was obviously Lucas, who was in the third stage, while in second place was Lyre, who was just behind him in the test timer. Below them were many students who were also in the third stage but in groups, except for those two who were raiding in solo mode. In eighth rank was Evan, who was climbing the ranks rather quickly after he reached the second stage. When he reached the second stage, he was already in rank twenty-one, and after climbing several ranks, he reached the eighth one just a few minutes away from the seventh rank group. In the top ten ranks of the students'' list, almost all of them were raiding the third, while the tenth group, having finished the second stage, also started raiding the third one. Many students also came out of the dungeon after just completing the second stage, or even some overconfident fools who thought they could raid alone just got out after completing the first one, as they were not in a condition to head toward the second stage. If they had reached the second stage, they would have been doomed to die there. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Every teacher of the respective class was checking the students of their own class, and Helen was among them, noticing the eighth student, Evan, who was in his class. After reaching the second stage, Evan quickly advanced to the third one. Though he was a bit slower than the first and second persons, his speed was quite high compared to other students. However, he was still eighth due to being late in the first stage, perhaps a late bloomer. Helen thought that maybe this Evan might achieve a good rank in the exam and resumed observing the other students in his class. Meanwhile, Tess, who was also a class teacher, was fixated on one student''s screen, and it was obvious who it was¡ªthe first-rank student, Lucas, who was still in the third stage of the dungeon with the other remaining students. ''Oh please, don''t fall into any danger, Lucas. If something happens to you, I won''t be able to live without you,'' she thought, her worries entirely focused on him, as their relationship was deeper compared to the other students. She and Lucas were secret lovers, a fact they had hidden until Lucas was to emerge from the dungeon today. "Miss Tess, I think you are lost in thought," Principal Miriam remarked, snapping Tess out of her reverie. She looked at the principal in shock, by his interruption. "O...Oh-yes, I am fine, just thinking about the safety of my student and nothing else, sir. Don''t worry." She said as he nodded and walked away. "Oh, Lucas, come out quickly. I am getting more anxious as time goes by." She said in a low while eyeing the screen to see any fluctuation in his health meter. Meanwhile, in the dungeon, Lucas was cautiously navigating through a goblin tribe in the third stage. The enemies he faced were too dangerous to be careless. In the outer area of the tribe, goblin bodies with green skin, slightly taller than dwarves, ugly faces in tattered clothes lay scattered on the ground. Many bodies were also lying inside the forest, indicating that Lucas had infiltrated the tribe from there. As he searched the tribe for more goblins before confronting the boss, who resided in the largest house in the center, he noticed many goblins wielding weapons and guarding the small streets around the hut. He could hear snoring from inside the hut, suggesting that the boss was asleep. "What can I do to attract those guys'' attention and finish them off?" he wondered, his eyes falling on the huts as he devised a plan and backed away for it to work. A few minutes later, we observed that the surroundings remained the same as before, but something had changed. In one of the huts, a large fire spread, causing many roars from the goblins in the tribe. As all the goblins rushed towards the area to see what had happened, many were trying to prevent the fire from spreading to other houses. While the others did not notice, someone moved towards the hut where the boss was sleeping without alerting them. It was Lucas who reached the hut, entered inside, and when he was about to attack the boss, he noticed something surprising: the boss was not in his place. Before he could escape, he sensed a life-threatening danger from behind him. If he hadn''t moved away, he would be dead. So, he launched ahead and rolled away from the area where he had been standing. To his surprise, a big blunt weapon smashed onto that area, cracking the ground and even destroying the whole hut with its sheer force. Yes, it was the boss who had just woken up after hearing the commotion and found this culprit coming towards him to attack. Lucas, who was in front of him, was shocked. Firstly, the power the boss displayed was not something a normal hobgoblin warlord could do. He realized what it was. Yes, the boss was mutated, which was very rare. This increased the danger significantly, but the loot would also be greater if defeated. As he started to look around for the totem he was meant to destroy after killing the boss, he found it as a small pendant hanging by the neck of the boss, who wore his crude, worn-out armor. Despite its old appearance, the armor''s defense and durability were still usable in dangerous situations. Even the boss''s big mace was now resting on his shoulder. Just before Lucas could do something, the boss acted. /ROOOOOAAAAAARRRRRRR/ He shouted at the top of his lungs, causing Lucas to cover his ears to avoid becoming deaf. Lucas did not understand why the boss did this, as it was not a fear-inducing skill. He later realized that several goblins had rushed toward the fire and were now blocking all possible escape routes. Despite this, there was no trace of fear in his eyes; he was completely unafraid. "Looks like you called out all the party members, huh? Good. I was wondering how to gather them all, but with your help, I can test my skill quite easily now," he said as he cast his skill, ready to rumble. -- To be continued -- Chapter 89: Beginner Dungeon [28]: Third stage (2) and Draconic Skill Might. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. The ball of fire Lucas was holding onto began to grow larger and larger while the flames were being simultaneously suppressed inside of it. It only ended when the normal flame ball turned into a massive ball about 100 times its original size. The power of the skill was evident as the hut beside them started to burn, and many goblins nearby had their skin burned as they tried to run away but were unable to. Lucas, standing below it and holding it, smiled as he truly felt the power of his Talent, , which could turn one of his skills into a forbidden high-level skill for one use every week without any cost. He still couldn''t use these skills while being in Tier 0 or maybe until Peak Tier 1 due to the high mana consumption limit, and this skill had many drawbacks for now. "Enjoy this present I prepared for you, hobgoblin," Lucas said as he threw the massive flame orb at the boss, who, upon seeing it coming towards him, started running away, as anyone would if they were unsure of blocking or dodging it, or their health wasn''t high enough to take the hit directly. The orb hit the ground as the throwing wasn''t good enough, and after it touched the ground, the whole tribe fell into silence when a blast occurred. A large orange mushroom grew in the area, reducing everything within a thirty-meter radius to ashes, the surrounding area was also massively affected, with many trees and corpses burning, and the few goblins left alive were dying rapidly. Lucas, standing in the burning area, remain undamaged as casting the spell provided with resistance against its effects. This resistance helped him avoid any damage. As he looked around, the spell''s effects and penalties dissipated, and he fell to the ground, his hand landing on the burning surface, causing additional damage. After using the skill, the user always faces penalties such as losing resistance to the element and other stat penalties. Lucas now had a -50% MP bar and -50% STA stat for two hours. As he was feeling weakened quite a lot now after it. As his legs was trying to fall down to rest but he still didn''t want to go down as his sense was telling now to lie down until everything is over. Despite this, his plan worked, and he had finished off all the monsters. He searched for the boss''s body but did not find it, his face growing gloomy as he grew impatient. Without finding the boss, he would not be able to destroy the totem. His worries were dismissed when he found the boss attempting to stand up. Lucas was shocked that his attack had not killed the boss outright, but his concern turned to joy when he saw the boss''s HP was at its lowest point. Without further delay, he approached and pierced his sword through the back of the monster. The monster, in disbelief, realized that the caster of the spell had survived and remained unharmed. Initially, the boss had thought the caster must have used a destructive spell to take everyone down with him, as his chance of escape was already null. But now, seeing it like this, the boss died away still being shocked face and Lucas who finished him off pull out of his sword and come in front of his body to pull out something which he needs to complete the dungeon raid as he quickly found it hanging on his neck. Yes, the pendant in which the totem he had to destroy was here. he crushed the totem which was made of wood and clothes and many monster parts. After destroying it, he got the notification he was waiting for. [3,730/600 EXP] [730/1000 EXP] "Wow, so that''s why the system took some time to do some things here and there, huh? Good, this much experience is enough for me to level up this much. From now onwards, the path will be hard," Lucas said as he started looking at the stuff he wanted to do to his stats and also began checking his screen to see the new skills he got in his system. ___ Meanwhile, in another dungeon, Lyre stood in front of a large flame, or what you might call a large flame in a circle. She used her skills to cover the whole tribe from the outside and started shooting them one by one, with many empty bottles of mana potions lying on the ground beside her. Her stamina was getting low minute by minute, but she couldn''t afford to stop as she cast an AOE skill to perform mass killing in one shot. Her skill, and from above the sky, many small wisps of flames started raining down on the tribe. At first, they appeared harmless, but when one fell on a running goblin trying to save his life, everything changed. The wisps expanded into large masses of flame, attaching themselves to the enemies like snakes, killing them in the process. Even the boss was not excluded from the effect, as he was also engulfed in flames, crying out in agony. There was no glint of sympathy in Lyre''s eyes. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She understood that in a world full of cruel and powerful people, the simple rule should be learned and recited in everyone''s mind: "Be killed or kill others to turn them into your growth." Being the daughter of a high Guildmaster did not mean she was treated like a princess; her life was far more miserable than that of normal children. From a young age, she had to train with who taught her self-defense, combat with monsters, and battles with humans. She was also tutored by esteemed scholars in knowledge about monsters and their weaknesses, as well as human anatomy and its vulnerabilities, since humans were often greater enemies than monsters. Without any remorse, she watched the monsters'' bodies fall, her eyes fixed on the boss figure, already burned in many areas. His HP was low but not enough to render him immobile. He lunged at her to kill her, but she was prepared. She backed slightly while using her skill. A large flame pillar engulfed the boss, burning his remaining HP. Still standing on the edge of death, she used her final skill to finish him off. A single bolt appeared in front of her and shot toward the boss, who was kneeling before her. It pierced his chest from one side to the other, and the hobgoblin''s body fell to the ground, claiming her victory. In the process, even the totem was destroyed, leaving her with nothing to do after his kill. She saw the notifications start appearing simultaneously, with some of the main ones. [850/900 EXP] Her interest was occupied while several were not something she was interested in, like how much she killed, what she got, the dungeon entrance coming timing, etc. Her eyes were fixed with resolve as she was thinking that she was bound to be first, but little did she know that someone has already claimed that place a while ago. As she after reading everything walked out of the exit portal which was opened after few minutes later as she returned to the entrance of the dungeon. What she saw in front made her shocked as she saw the board of ranking. "How is this possible..." She said as she looked at the board in disbelief. -- To be continued -- Chapter 90: Beginner Dungeon [29]: Third stage (3) [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. After Lyre came out of the dungeon to check her rank on the ranking board, she found that her rank was not in the first place as she expected, but there was another name she recognized. Lucas was first on the board while she was second, being at Lv.13 and he was Lv., just one level above her with some difference in time taken for completion. As she was dazing off, she remembered something and looked below to find certain names in team or solo when she found it in the eighth place. Yes, it was Evan who was still in the third stage clearing the dungeon, which she expected, but she didn''t expect him to be solo as Necromancers were support-type holders who needed the help of others in the first few stages until they got strong enough to be on their own. But even those who have high class rank while Evan was being solo here with only a rank class, which was just average. "Maybe I do have to take help from the Guild to find information about this guy, even that Lucas who came out before me even though he had just an rank class," she said. After saying goodbye to all her teachers and the Principal, she left with her guards to leave the city for some time to meet her father. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Meanwhile, Lucas, who was still there, was smiling like he had found a gem in ashes while looking at the ranking board of the eighth rank, thinking maybe this kid has a second class in his status. After telling Tess about going home, he left as standing here wouldn''t do much and he didn''t want to waste his time watching board ranks changing as time goes by, which he could use to rest in his house after the dungeon raid. He took a taxi and left the hunter association. __ While in the dungeon, Evan stepped out of the portal, entering the third stage, which was again a forest, a mix of first and second stages. "Well, it looks I might have to roam around forest for some time more," I said, thinking that if goblins were included, I might be able to get out of this forest. But seeing the surroundings, I guessed the goblins'' place should be somewhere in the middle. I decided to check my status before moving out, as checking one''s condition is the second rule, with the first being never to trust anybody. I started walking in the opposite direction from where the portal was, as it never appeared in front of enemies for an unknown reason. I was walking when I heard some noises in the distance, which made me alert. I hid behind a tree to see what was happening. I waited until the source of the noises finally came into view. Yes, it was the goblin group, consisting of three dwarf-like goblins holding wooden clubs. One of them, who appeared stronger based on his physique, was wielding a crudely made sword, perhaps worn down from use. However, that was not my concern; my priority was to eliminate these monsters and escape this cursed place. "But wait, can''t I use that? It could add an element of surprise to my attack, and besides, it looks cool," I muttered to myself while glancing around to ensure no one was listening. I then steadied myself with my newly semi-evolved sword and armor, assessing their power as I prepared to attack using my newly acquired skill. My body, hidden behind the tree, vanished and reappeared in front of the goblin group. Initially, they did not realize my presence, but when they saw me materialize before them, they were shocked. The sword-wielding goblin tried to retreat, but my attack speed was too fast to dodge, and I cleanly slashed his body into two parts. The goblin''s face remained in shock even as the upper half of his body fell to the ground after the attack. While I, who didn''t take much notice of it, was looking at the sword-goblin whose hand was severed by my attack, his sword lay on the ground, also in blood. The goblin tried to run away, but I was prepared. I quickly picked up the rusty sword and threw it like a spear towards his fleeing figure, piercing his chest. He fell to the ground with a loud screech. "This will attract other goblins in the forest," I said. I hurried to, but not before using my talent. , I said as the talent energy covered their body. [Detected 3~Lv.9-10 Goblins. What do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle, or Store?] [No talent, ability, bloodline, or skills have been detected. Stats are identified.] [You''ve gained +2 VIT, +1 END, +1 INT.] I looked at the stats plundered, and then started running away from the scene as I heard many footsteps approaching. Had I stayed even two minutes longer, I would have been surrounded. While back there, we could see many goblins standing in front of the three dead bodies of their kind. They were speaking gibberish in their own tongue as they started looking around. The stronger goblin holding a sword ordered them to search for the culprit who was standing meters away. I, who was standing away from the area, noticed that many goblins were searching to see if they could find me, but I was far enough away not to get caught as the notifications of the kill appeared. [330/450] [You''ve gained 29 Evo-enchant points. T.P: 365] I looked at the notification and was pleased to see the points increasing steadily. But my joy was shattered as I heard many goblins coming towards me. I looked around to see if there was any place to hide but found none as all the trees around were too thin to conceal my whole body, and even the smell of blood would help them find me here. So, the best option was to confront them face to face, as I was stronger than all of them due to the continuous plundering of stats. "But why am I getting scared to face them face to face when I am stronger?" I asked myself in a low voice, but I knew in my mind that what I still feared was death, which might come finding me due to my arrogance of high stats. Even the memories I got from my late past self are blurry; the only part I remember is the memories of Blue Star, the name, and the family I transmigrated into then. Nothing else was remembered after that. I was thinking about this when a group of goblins came to find me. I steadied my sword for confrontation as the battle was about to begin. -- To be continued -- Chapter 91: Beginner Dungeon [30]: Third stage (4) & the Hidden Threshold. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. After I prepared for the impending, I was ready when my opponents revealed themselves by pushing aside the bushes with some gibberish voices and small wooden clubs. The number of goblins was low at the moment, but other searching parties were near, trying to find me as they were just a small part of the larger group, possibly consisting of 20-30 goblins. And they were merely goblins scouting ahead, indicating how many might be in the village or tribe over there. "Okay, let me finish you all before others come in," I said while looking at the four goblins staring at me and swinging their clubs as looking at some prey. They attacked me simultaneously, trying to surround me in a circle to attack from all four sides, but I, who was, my skill to summon my allies. A skeleton appeared with half of my stats, which may not be sufficient to finish them but can still assist me. I swung my blade towards a goblin who attempted to block, but my enchanted and semi-evolved blade was formidable, through his weapon like butter and continuing to his body, killing him in the process. My hand did not stop as I targeted another goblin who lunged at me to halt my movement. My blade was swift, piercing his chest, and after a struggle, his HP diminished, and he hung onto my sword. I swung it towards a third goblin, throwing the second goblin at him to stop him, and then moved towards a fourth goblin. With some dodging and evasion from his club, I ended his life as well. I looked at the third goblin, who was terrified after witnessing his comrades'' deaths by my hand. He started running away, screaming for other goblins to call. My face grew worried, knowing that if they all appeared now, I might not be able to escape. My fear came true as many goblins began approaching my area. I wanted to flee, but time was not on my side, and I was spotted and surrounded by a horde of goblins, all assembling for me. I checked my mana bar to see how much help I could summon, and it was quite substantial if you ask me. [235/360 MP] "Okay, if you called out your friends, let me do the same. While you summon twenty, I will call seven more allies. Then we will see who the is," I said in a dashing villainous voice as I used my skill. As seven summoning circles appeared in front of me, skeletons were summoned from them and stood before me, prepared for battle. "Okay, now let''s see whose party strength overpowers the others," I said as I commanded them to stay close to each other and attack in a manner that wouldn''t get them destroyed early. The goblins, irritated by my nonsense, attacked me and my summons from all sides. Each summon had to handle two goblins, while I had more than five to deal with. The battle, which I didn''t want to happen unless it was critical, began. I feared that I wouldn''t be able to handle all of them if they gathered here to hunt me. The sound of battle might attract more goblins from the small village where the boss resided, and in the worst case, the boss himself might appear without any condition to fulfill for his appearance this time. I fought against four sword-wielding goblins and one club holder with ripped muscles, on the verge of reaching a higher level. "Maybe my luck is totally bad today," I said, thinking about the previous encounters with the two leads, the poison, the mutant boss, and now the goblin raid. I slashed my blade toward a goblin holding a sword. Though it didn''t hit his body, it destroyed his sword. The goblin was dazed, and I took the opportunity to thrust my blade into his chest. Just as I was about to throw him down, I felt pain in my lower back. When I looked back, I saw a sword trying to pierce my armor. It couldn''t go further, but it was enough for blood to ooze out. I looked at the goblin holding the sword with anger, threw the goblin onto the ground, revolved toward him, clutched his head like a ball, and smashed it into the ground, causing blood to come out of his back brain from the impact. My brain was filled with rage as I hesitated and lunged towards another goblin to kill. The club-wielding goblin tried to hit me, but his fate was sealed as my sword split his body and club into two pieces simultaneously. I tightened my grip on the sword handle and moved towards the other two goblins, who were now scared as I had killed three goblins in front of them in less than fifteen seconds, sustaining only a small cut on my back. I was growing impatient to get away from here. My mind was fearful that these goblins would call for reinforcements from the village. To silence them the best way was to kill them, of course. With swift movements, I struck one of them as it defended my attack, and the other launched an attack towards me. I was under less pressure than before, but my summons were still struggling as they found it hard to hold their ground. I decided to help them by putting more force into my strike, breaking the goblin''s sword on the seventh strike and killing him on the eighth, and then killing the second on the twelfth. I then moved toward the others, who were quite easy to defeat compared to the previous goblins, with the help of my skeletons. Before the skeletons were unsummoned, the battle was over. I was starting to get the hang of the fight, but there was still some fear of death that would only fade after many battles. I looked at the bloodied area where the fight had ended and ordered the skeletons to gather the corpses as I needed to hurry and gain some stats before... I was thinking when I noticed someone spying on me from behind a tree in the distance. My eyes instantly fell on him, and I saw it was a scout goblin looking at me with a scared expression. Before I could use a skill or something to kill him, he was gone. Finding those small green creatures would be a challenge. "Damn, now that one will alert the village goblins and hobgoblins to be cautious, and even more will come to hunt me down, or perhaps the boss himself will come since I have killed more than twenty of his men," I said, realizing that nothing could be done about what had happened. However, I could try to gain power from talent and level up, which I would now get from the slain goblins. Just as I was about to use my talent on the gathered corpses, some notification appeared. [1260/450 EXP] [310/600 EXP] [You''ve gained 176 Points. T.P: 541] S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As I was about to use my talent on the bodies, something happened that changed my way of life afterwards. As the notification appeared, my body felt strange, becoming light, and my eyes filled with darkness as I fell to the ground, starting to lose consciousness. But before that, I gave the final order to my summons to guard me. They took my body away from the blood by my command and hid me in the bushes for safety, guarding me until their time ran out. While I, who gave the commands, fell into darkness, my eyes opened in a place filled only with darkness. What came before my eyes shocked me. I said, "What... but how?" -- To be continued -- Hello, everyone! I hope you like the novel. Be prepared for much more fun and exciting adventures. And one more thing: what happened with him, and what met the minimum threshold to get unlocked at this time at Lv.10? Chapter 92: Beginner Dungeon [31]: Third stage (5) & Meeting others. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. I received a notification indicating that I met some kind of criteria when body lost sensation began to collapse. Before losing consciousness, I ordered them to hide my body and guard me. I did not know how long I would be unconscious, but if I remained so for too long and the goblin search found me after my summon time expired, I would be doomed to die here. Perhaps my luck would prevent that, right, maybe... Upon regaining consciousness, I opened my eyes to find darkness surrounding me. I could not even see my own hands, but I could feel them. As my eyesight adjusted, I could see my surroundings. I was shocked to find myself in water as dark as an abyss, making me think that anyone who fell in might never return. My whole body chilled at the thought, and I quickly my eyes to avoid looking below. Finding nothing around me, I decided to move and see if I could discover something. This decision proved fruitful as I found a small house the distance, reminiscent of my old apartment on the Blue Planet. As I walked closer and confirmed that this was indeed my old house, I decided to open the knob and see what was inside. When I opened the gate and entered the room, it felt as if the ground beneath me was sliding away. What I saw was quite shocking. Two people I was familiar with were sitting on my chair and bed, chatting like old friends. their eyes fell on me, they both stared in silence, which I eventually broke. "What the hell are you both doing here?" I shouted, causing them to gesture in pain and cover their ears as my voice was indeed too loud. "Well, bro, can''t you stay calm and react normally? Aren''t you and us the same person?" First Evan said, with Second Timer Evan nodding in agreement. "Huh, what do you mean, calm down? You expect me to meet with both of you like friends or something? I thought you both perished inside of me, and I''d never see you again." I said, recalling the time when they met me after encountering the thrones. They had told me about the past life and that girl, and I thought they had perished inside of me. "Huh, are you making things up on your own? We do remember saying some words like ''last,'' but the meaning wasn''t our last meeting," said the second one, a gloomy guy who just wanted to be alone but was still sitting here to complete his piece of work. "Yes, and we have invited you here to tell you about your memory problem, which you don''t have from our memories," the first said, waiting for my answer. "Huh, did I hear it correctly? Getting suddenly unconscious is inviting, right? Maybe you didn''t get an invitation from anyone else. And yes, I was about to ask you about the memories I got from you. They are a bunch of useless information. Those novels and manga I read show the regressor MC to be OP, but here I am, scared to even face weak goblins." I said, explaining to them my whole pain of wanting to become someone badass. "Huh, let us see." Both said as they got a screen showed in front of them showing all the status of mine to them. __ [Nexus Prime System] Name: Evan Ravencall (Evan Windstone) Race: Human (100%) Age: 18 Title: Limit Breaker Rank: Tier 0 Level: 10 [310/600] Class: Necromancer (D), Mage (E), Weapon Master (F), Blacksmith (B)[Locked], Alchemist (S)[Locked], Rune Enchanter (S!)[Locked] Talent: Plunder (?), Infinite Evolution & Enchantment (?) [!], Supreme Adaptation (?), Transcendent body (?) [Locked], Replica of Halo of Luck #######(?) [Locked] ~~~~~ {Stats} : 320 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: 1.50/minute = 32*.05) : 360 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 1.80/minute = 36*.05) 34 34 32 36 30 32 Unassigned Stats: 20 81/82+20[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 54 [MAG: INT*1.5] 62+20 [DEF: END+STA*1] ~~~~~~~ Abilities: [- Elemental Manipulation (SSS)] Fire - F (1.23%) Earth - F (.76%) Lightning - F (0%) Ice - F (0%) Skills: Low-grade poison resistance (Lv.2), Shadow Leap {Lv.1} Classskills: {Undead Summon (Lv. 1), Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 2), Shadow Bolt (Lv. 2), ????????? (Lv.1)} {Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1), Mana Shield (Lv. 1), ????????????, (Lv.1)} {Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv.1), Power Slash (Lv. 1), Quick Swap (Lv. 1), ?????????? (Lv.1)} ~~~~~~~~ {Inventory} - Unknown vial - Mysterious egg - Unknown Bloodline vial __ "What the hell?" It was the only line that came out of his mouth. While it may seem normal to you all, those two who had just used the simple system were too shocked to find so many stats and things in one person. Even the second Evan was surprised to see so much in him, as his eyes fell on the inventory to see an unknown vial carrying the energy of someone he hates the most. His facial expression changed in an instant from normal and gloomy to angry. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hey, where did you get this vial with that bastard''s energy in it?" he asked, flicking the system toward me while pointing at the unknown vial. "Huh, bro, it''s the physique vial I got from the thrones from that monarch person you killed. Didn''t you both know what we get from those thrones?" I asked in confusion, thinking they should have known about this. "No, we don''t, as we are sealed in this place. That''s why you don''t have the whole memory of us," he said, straightening his shocked after seeing so many things. "Huh, what do you both mean? I didn''t understand a single thing, bro. Can''t you just tell me in simple terms?" I said with a confused look. (~_~) "So, listen, the memories we passed down to you were our entire life journey from start to end, which is separated from you and your life like some different person. It is too much for you to hold right now, so those thrones divide them into six different parts that you will receive as you advance in the ascension hall. They even tried to tamper with it to remove all traces of the girl''s existence, as they were able to on this guy. But I, who became a demi-god rank once, was not to be trifled with, and this caused problems. It malfunctioned and backfired, sealing both our consciousnesses in the orb of memories that you hold. We discovered that whenever you receive some amount of memories from the orb, we will merge with you little by little, and at the end of the final one, we will become one whole Evan with no first, second, or third among us." He explained as I nodded in agreement. "So that was the case, huh? Well, don''t worry, guys. I will try to quickly get all of us together so we can become one." I said, but the meaning turned quite unpleasant. "Are you into that type of oneness, bro?" First asked while backing away. "Huh, noooo, I''m not into that stuff, bro." I tried to clarify, but. "No, we understand. We support people like you." The second said, Helping First tease me. "Noooo, can''t you both stop teasing me for now? When will the process start?" I asked, trying to brush away their words. "Hahahaha, okay, don''t worry. The process is just about to be finished... and here it''s done." He said, laughing, then looked above as if seeing something. Sometime later, I felt my consciousness being pulled from the area. "Okay, we will meet when you reach the Peak Zero tier in the ascension room." He said, bidding me farewell as I got teleported from the place, returning to darkness. This time, however, I felt a sharp pain in my brain, making me want to rip my tongue out. As the pain subsided along with the memories, I opened my eyes to find myself lying on the ground, and what appeared before me was different. "What is happening here?" I said, but my entire demeanor had changed into ... -- To be continued -- Chapter 93: Beginner Dungeon [32]: Third stage (6) & Massacre [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. In the forest of Dungeon, one could see someone lying on the ground, hidden among the bushes. Some distance away, numerous goblins and seven skeletons were engaged in battle, with one of the skeletons reduced to ashes. The man lying there was me, lost in conversation with my other selves within my mind. Suddenly, my body twitched, and my eyelids began to move as I opened my eyes to find myself lying in the grass, covered in blood that was not mine but from the goblins I had slain. "Argh." I clenched my teeth and held my head, feeling as though tearing it apart was the only way to soothe the pain. I knew it was just a side effect of receiving many years of knowledge, which had not been useful until I entered the nexus and found opportunities for myself. "Well, my luck back then was not good at all," I said, but the memories had erased any childish smile from my face, affecting my behavior. I was turning into a gloomy and less talkative guy who just wanted to be alone like the second Evan. As the second memory was the most significant among those I received from the orb, my first self-took three months to reach the peak, while the second one took one and a half years due to the difficulty of being alone at that time. "Huh, let''s finish this dungeon and go home to collect my thoughts," I said, just as I was about to stand up when I received a notification. I received the same notification repeatedly, and as I quickly responded, I looked toward my summons who were fighting the goblins. They were dying very quickly as many goblins had arrived to help the previous ones fighting them. Being outnumbered made it hard for them to fight, and they were getting destroyed in the process, which I did not like at all. As an ex-tamer, it is a shame to let your summons die like this. So, I had to do something, and exterminating the ones who killed my summons seemed like the right choice. I held my enchanted sword, which felt tighter and more precise in my hands now. Thinking of the way I had wielded the sword before, I felt quite ashamed. I walked out of the bushes and started walking toward the group of goblins who had just finished off my last skeletons. Their eyes fell on me, standing alone, while they numbered more than thirty. Perhaps the goblin that had run away from me back then should have gone to the hobgoblin to get help in hunting me. "Hush, well, it should be a good warm-up before going to hunt the boss as my body is stiff from lying down for these few minutes," I said, taking big breaths as I looked at the goblins rushing toward me to kill. Facing them, I wasn''t even scared. Why would I be afraid to fight these low-level, child-like creatures who could be killed with ease, given the stats I possess? As they reached me and were about to attack, my hand moved at an incredibly high speed, unnoticed by the goblins. My sword had already cut the first goblin in half before he even realized what had happened. A fountain of blood oozed out from him, staining my clothes and splattering on the other goblins who were still unaware of what had transpired. However, my mind remained focused, and I continued moving, my sword like a scythe cutting through the goblins like a field of crops. In less than five minutes, many goblins lay dead on the ground, while eight were still left to kill, including those who were stronger than the others. All eight held the same crude sword, while I stood before them, about to grab another sword from the ground from a dead goblin''s body, when a notification popped up in front of me, bringing a light smile to my face. __ Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 2) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 02% Description: A passive skill that increases the user''s effectiveness with all weapons, providing enhanced accuracy, damage, and speed based on the weapon type currently equipped. Effect: Accuracy Boost: Increases hit chance by 7% with all weapon types. Damage Boost: Increases weapon damage by 12%. Attack Speed Boost: Increases attack speed by 7%. Weapon Proficiency: One-Handed sword: D (07%) __ I looked at my screen and noticed that my proficiency in both skill and weapon had increased by one level. I knew the reason behind this was that my sword proficiency in my first attempt had already reached S rank when my body ascended to Tier 1. Therefore, catching up to S rank in sword should be relatively easy now, as I cannot discuss the rank above it. With a slight smile on my face, I approached the eight frightened goblins who were contemplating fleeing, as anyone would when more than twenty of their comrades had been killed by a single enemy. Now, I stood before them with two swords in hand, ready to kill them and the remaining ones. Having already guessed their intentions, I moved toward them and slashed my blade at the goblin, who tried to retreat and dodge the attack. However, I was not going to let him escape so easily. My kick struck him squarely in the chest, sending him crashing into a tree with great force. Blood poured from his mouth, indicating severe internal damage. Without hesitation, I moved toward another gob, my sword once again reaping their lives one after another. They didn''t survive beyond the third slash, as my force of attack and accuracy in striking their vital parts were too formidable to block or parry. A proficient swordsman might even call me a sword genius. After the fight concluded, I surveyed the area to see if any goblins remained alive. I found one who had been kicked squarely in the chest and was still breathing. I promptly ended its life, not wanting to waste any experience. I was amazed that my stamina which should have been nearly depleted many minutes ago, still allowed me to kill a few more goblins. And this maybe was thanks to my careful regulation of breathing and executing only necessary moves, avoiding unnecessary actions that would rapidly drain my stamina. Despite this, the stamina stat of this body was low. "I should head to their village after taking a short rest to refill my stamina and other bars to keep myself in check, and I should use the talent to harvest stats for a power-up," I said to myself while making some notes in my mind to do right now, using my summon skill to call forth a skeleton to gather all the goblin bodies lying around. I checked my skill proficiency, hoping it would soon upgrade, as I had used it many times without leveling up. It was at ninety-seven percent and would likely upgrade after one or two more uses. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As expected, the notification of the kill appeared. -- To be continued -- Do you like this type of Evan or the same one before the memory integration. Comment me if you wanted it to be same or the previous jolly guy. Chapter 94: Beginner Dungeon [33]: Third stage (7) & New Skills. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. Numerous kill notifications appeared before as I rested to recover my health and stamina. Meanwhile, my skeleton was tirelessly gathering the goblins scattered throughout the area, forming a heap of corpses tall as. Despite its efforts, many goblins remained to be collected. [1135/600 EXP] [535/700 EXP] [EEP gained from the Kill: 297. T.P: 838 (541+297)] "Good, the amount is sufficient as with this amount I can massively enchant the gears to sell them at auction. As big stock can make much more many than selling in single if it''s not high in grade." I said as my mind was now working in all directions to I can earn some money. As I was thinking of some crazy ideas when my skeleton approached me as my attention drawn toward it and also toward a big heap of goblin corpse which was ready to be plundered. I stood up while dusting away any dirt or grass stuck to my pants and walked toward it while tapping the shoulder of the skeleton in appraisement. I got in front of the heap and, after some breaths, extended my hand toward the goblin corpses and used it, . [Detected 54~Lv.9-10 Goblins, what do you wish to do: Plunder, Dismantle or Store.] [Host has chosen the plunder option to be used.] [Plundering is in progress.] [No Talent, Abilities, skills, or Bloodline detected. Body Stats has been identified.] As it was said, a whole heap of corpses was shrouded in the strange energy of talent, which I now tried to analyze, but what I discovered was shocking. "Hahhhh, it seems this energy isn''t easy to comprehend as it quite a of many things that are not within my grasp right now. Perhaps after reaching Tier 4 Peak or Tier 5, I can analyze it somewhat." I said, as I then decided not to focus on the energy of and just let it do its work. Minutes later, the energy retracted back into my body and disappeared, and a notification from the talent appeared. [Host has gained +7 STR, +5 AGL, +5 VIT, +3 INT, +5 END, +9 STA has been added to host body stats.] [You''ve reached the overlimit to plunder the stats of Lv.10 bodies. Please use it on higher-level bodies.] Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I was astonished by the significant growth of my stats, like I achieved nine clouds below my steps. "These talents are truly exceptional. If I had possessed just one of them in my past lives, I wouldn''t have needed to struggle through my third or even second life," I said, still feeling sorrowful about my previous life''s struggles while comparing them to this one. "Alright, let me allocate some stats gained from up, then I will proceed to eliminate that pesky rat hiding in his tribe," said as I opened my system to view my status screen allocate my points. After the allocation, the stat screen looked quite impressive to me. __ {Stats} --HealthPoints: <370> --> <420> (Regen: 2.10/minute = 42*.05) --Mana Points: <390> --> <450> (Regen: 2.25/minute = 45*.05) --Strength: <41> --> <45> --Agility <39> --> <44> --Vitality <37> --> <42> --Intelligence <39> --> <45> Endurance <35> --> <41> Stamina <41> --> <45> 30 --> 00 Attack Power 107+20Physical, :67/68 Elemental Defense 86+20 [DEF] __ "This status is not something that should belong to a Level 11 individual. However, these cheat codes are significantly boosting my stats, and they may increase even further. I am the one who possesses this power and not my enemies, as I might have had to flee from battles if I faced such an opponent. But not anymore," I said, clenching my hand into a fist and punching the air with considerable speed and force. I knew my body was yet to be stabilized after the rapid increase in stats, but I was aware of how to achieve stability. Before I could close my status screen, my eyes fell on the skill section, where three new skills awaited activation. I had fulfilled their requirements and could now see the skills from all three classes, complete with full descriptions. __ Necrotic Aura (Lv.1) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana cost: N/A Proficiency: 0% Description: Your mere presence exudes a faint aura of death, empowering undead allies and subtly weakening living creatures around you. Effects: \_Increases the attack and defense of the undead under your control by 5%. \_Living creatures within a 5-meter radius experience a slight reduction in stamina recovery (-2%). __ Magical Focus (Lv.1) Type: Passive Skill Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 0% Description: Magical Focus enhances a mage''s ability to concentrate, improving the effectiveness and precision of their spells. It reduces casting time, making the mage more efficient in combat. Effects: \_Spell Precision: +5% accuracy with all spells. \_Focus Boost: -10% casting time. __ Basic Battle Instinct (Lv.1) Type: Passive Skill Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 0% Description: Basic Battle Instinct grants a Weapon Master a heightened awareness in combat, improving their reaction speed and ability to anticipate enemy movements. This allows for faster dodging and parrying of basic attacks. Effects: \_Reaction Speed: +5% increased reaction speed to attacks. \_Threat Awareness: +5% chance to avoid basic attacks. __ I looked at my skills and found that all I gained was passive one which was not much helpful right now but passive are one of some good one which help in later stages, as these skills are quite weak for right now but as they progress their effect on me and enemies will be much higher than now which can decide the outcome of a battle. After glancing at one more time toward my skills. I close the screen and look toward the ashes of the skeleton, which returned to where it belongs as his time passed by when I was checking my skills. "So let''s go and meet the boss of this area then." I said to myself as I was now feeling quite much good enough while even my bars were on the verge to be full, and my stamina was already good now. -- To be continued -- Guys like the chapter or not, tell me in the comments and also tell me if the new skills are good or not as only these are compatible with Evan with his class now as high rank good skills are not in his reach which he can get now. Chapter 95: Beginner Dungeon [34]: Third stage (8) & confronting the boss [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. In the dungeon of Verdant Hollow, we can see that in one of such raids, a person was walking carelessly toward the small village of goblins like he wished to die. From the look of it, we can assume that it was Evan, who was heading toward the boss area to complete this dungeon run. It was becoming excessively to hunt all the goblins outside the forest and then the remaining ones inside This was quite tiring and a waste of time. If defeating the boss could clear the dungeon, there was no need to wait. What I didn''t expect was that there wouldn''t be a single goblin outside the forest, which I thought would come to me. Now, I was already at the outskirts of the village. I could see the huts made of wood and tree vines. It was a typical small village without any traps. They were the prime hunters of this area, and no larger monsters were around. Where many skulls hung on the wooden sticks on the village wall, likely as a protection to scare off roaming beasts. Well, I didn''t care much and entered the village to find something interesting. The Village was barren, and I couldn''t see anyone or hear any noise. I walked inside some of the houses and found no signs of goblins or any indications of their presence. And thought that maybe all should have been gathered around the boss to assist him to fight me as the goblins who were fighting me should have report him about my summons. I then didn''t check anymore of these houses and start walking toward the center of the village to find the boss monster and the left goblins and I was right as I can hear the sound of steps and some noises of goblin. I walked toward the center to find that all the goblins were gathered around the house which was made with much extra efforts than others around here because the way of making it and the sturdiness and big size made it the house of the chief of this small village of goblins which was their boss, the hobgoblin warlord. When the goblins noticed me, they started screaming as if it had a ghost due to my state, which was the cause of the massive killing of its kin. "So maybe your chief made my work easier by gathering you all in one place. As a token of my gratitude for this generous gift, I will give you the most painless death possible," I said, thanking them as if they had truly helped me gather them all. Otherwise, I was about to return after killing the boss. Just as I was about to move forward for the attack, the door of the big house opened, and a figure walked out from inside. It was different from the goblins, as its height and body structure were different, but its face was quite similar to theirs. It wore iron armor neck to toe, and a large mace rested on its right shoulder. It looked at me, sneered a little, pointed its mace toward me, and shouted something to its people, possibly telling them to charge at me. Some hesitated at first, but after seeing me alone, they gathered courage and raised their weapons toward me. Understanding what was about to happen, I prepared for this situation by using my skill to summon my allies. Just as I casted the skill, the notification appeared, which made my face happy as finally it increased. __ [Skill: Undead Summon (Lv. 2)] [Type: Active] [Mana Cost: 35 MP] [Cooldown: 12 seconds] [Proficiency: 0%] [Description] Summons a basic undead creature to serve as a temporary minion. The undead will fight for the summoner until destroyed or dismissed. The creature summoned depends on the user''s Necromancer class progression and available materials. [Summon Type: Skeleton Warrior (Basic Tier)] [Duration: 25 minutes or until destroyed.] Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Stats] [Health: 55% of the caster''s max health.] [Strength: 55% of the caster''s Strength.] [Agility: 55% of the caster''s Agility.] [Defense: 45% of the caster''s Defense.] __ My skill, which had been stagnant for so long, has now significantly improved even in a less critical situation. My new and formidable skeletons stood before me, armed with weapons. Their clothes were now in much better condition compared to before. The swords appeared more durable and sharper, and their bones were longer and wider. The glow in their eyes was different, much darker, as if the soul within them had grown stronger. My mind was filled with joy as the real battle was about to begin. "Okay, my soldiers, move forward," I shouted, pointing toward the goblins who watched the skeletons with grim expressions. Even the boss was shocked, but with a single roar, he captured the attention of the dazed goblins, and they rushed toward my summons with a shaken intent to kill. My summons numbered only ten, while the goblins facing them were approximately thirty-seven. I joined the battle to quickly reduce the number of enemies. The Hobgoblin stood there, his hand holding the totem I needed to destroy, and his mouth chanting something unintelligible. Meanwhile, I slashed my blade continuously at the goblins, one after another. My luck seemed to be good as my sword''s flame ability activated several times, engulfing several goblins in flames. In just fifteen minutes, the thirty-seven goblins were reduced to fourteen, even as those guarding the boss at the back continued chanting. I looked toward the fourteen goblins guarding the boss and began moving toward them, determined to end this chapter. I could feel my instincts for attack and defense in battle being boosted, even if only slightly. My skills were working well, and the stamina of the enemies was affected by my [Necrotic Aura]. Many of the defending goblins approached to buy more time, but I did not wait. As soon as I reached the required distance, I used my skill. "You can''t stop me now," I shouted at them, activating my skill. I disappeared from my place and reappeared right in front of the boss, who watched me in shock as I thrust my sword toward him and pierced his chest without any resistance. I thought it was over until I saw his face, which displayed not shock or pain, but a smile. This unexpected reaction shocked me so much that I backed away, eyes still fixed on the Hobgoblin, who didn''t close his eyes for even a second. -- To be continued -- Why is the boss smiling even after receiving such an attack? Comment if you have any ideas, or wait until the next chapter if you don''t know. Chapter 96: Beginner Dungeon [35]: Third stage (9) & confronting the Mutant Boss [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. I plunged my blade straight into the chest of Hobgoblin who was just standing on his place while holding the totem which I needed to destroy as before I can snatch it from him, I feel a sense of threat coming from him. As I moved back not to get hurt as maybe it was a good plan as what happened next made my eyes pop out of my sockets. As the smiling Hobgoblin who was holding the totem, raise it in the air and something extremely creepy happened. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As what I can see that those goblins who just died, their bodies now started to shake as something whitish come out of their bodies and got pulled toward the totem and got absorbed in it. As even more white energy came from outside the village and got absorbed in it. A few minutes later, something started budging inside of me, and I felt that something was pulling me away. But I didn''t budge. However, something inside of me budged, and it was my soul. As I started to feel immense pain like someone was forcefully pulling my soul out as I was trying to resist, but I didn''t know how to as just my eyes were about to get full of darkness and my life about to be swept away with my soul. Something happened. The force which was pulling me stopped as I fell down on the ground to find that I was good as fine as even my HP was good as okay just an effect of tiredness occurred on me which was for about one hour in which my 10% stats were reduced for the time. While I have just caught some breath, my eyes fell on my surroundings which was quite baren as all the goblins and my summons were lying on the floor without any speck of life in them. As my skeletons bodies were scattered into pieces while the goblins eyes were lifeless like their souls were sucked out of their bodies. As then, my eyes fell on the culprit who was kneeling before the totem like some believer. His eyes were closed as he was chanting something that wasn''t something I could understand. But things started changing as some kind of energy started pouring in from the totem toward the Hobgoblin, and I clearly understood what it was. The energy transmitted through the totem was a special type of energy that only a few races are capable of harnessing it. While some are bestowed with it in which bestowed race are human. The energy that the Boss was getting was a higher unique energy called Demoic energy which was too much powerful that it can rival most of the high-level energies except for some chosen few. While what was here was just a degraded version, Demonic Mana, a less demonic essence contained mana which increase the mana potency high. Maybe this guy offered the souls of all the being here expect him to give the being connected to another place to get this mana. And even if this is quite of low in rank but still in comparison to my mana, it was several times higher, this much higher that it can make a normal Lv.10 monster to turned into Lv.20-30 monster. Which going to make my work much more difficult with this debuff. As I tried to rush toward him and interrupt the ritual for some gain of help, but it didn''t work as the mana covering him was too high to bypass as even my enchanted sword durability was damaged in the process. I backed away and only waited until the process was finished as I can do anything else in here. As half minute later, the energy barrier starts disappearing and I can see what was happening inside, the totem which was okay till now was turned into ash while the whole look of Boss was changed into something else. As even the damage I caused him was healed and even his armor was in great shape. As it was also enhanced to the point where it become high good enough to hold the ground like some new one while the mace has holding onto was looking quite imposing now. Much dangerous than the normal mace he first hold. Like now the scene was like main character of a novel is getting a boost to defeat the enemy while here it was reversal. But is it a novel, I don''t know what my mind was distracted toward the notification appeared right now. I didn''t understand the protection part as I didn''t have something that may help me, but what changed was the objective and the boss strength and rating was immense change as it was that moment, I knew I f*ck*d up! I was distracted when my mind returned to reality when a scream capable enough to kill low-level awakened was heard. As I instantly responsively covered my ears. My ears were bleeding as my eyes were shaken for a while but it got recovered as I saw that the Boss who was now looking at me with deadly eyes. I looked at him, he looked at me, then I again looked at him but this time he didn''t just looked at me but even move as his speed was very high, maybe a normal awakener won''t be even able to see it but am I normal, hell nah. I blocked his attack by moving away side but then the mace hit the ground as from my imagination, the ground should have some cracks and rock flying over but what happened next was much more than I can anticipate. Yes, the whole area around the ground where the mace hit was destroyed. As many huts as possible around us were destroyed with a single hit. This shook my belief that I could kill him, and my grip loosened a little, but I am not going to lose hope here as I was already making plans on how to kill him. As I took advantage of the dust and smoke that occurred here, I closed the distance between us and slashed my blade toward it. Which hit him clearly on his armor and even pierced it, but just a small edge of it as the blade was still stuck on the outer area. But some blood oozed out of the mark as some HP above the boss''s head was reduced. But the look boss was giving me was quite menace as he looked at me and when I was about to backed away, he quickly grabbed my hand which I wasn''t able to get back from him and without doing anything I was thrown toward one of the houses. I destroyed many huts while crashing, and only after crashing into 8 huts did I stop. As my HP was dropped by one third almost. [-143 HP] Even moving my body was difficult for me and I lost my consciousness before even doing anything. I, whose condition was unknown, was now lying in the debris of the huts while the culprit responsible for it was moving toward me after looking around the area to see if anyone else was alive or not. -- To be continued -- Hello guys hope you like the chapter and tell me do you think MC would be able to win this match or some new power out of nowhere is going to come and help him like it did in soul spell. Chapter 97: Beginner Dungeon [36]: Third stage (10) & Raid Over. [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA branch, Dyna Crest country. In the village of goblins in the third stage of the Verdant Hollow dungeon. We can see that the boss Hobgoblin with different style then before as his muscle were bulging and like trying to come out of the armor he was wearing. And it was due to the mutation he went through after receiving the demonic mana energy from the sacrifice. He was no longer looking sane, destroying everything in his path as he walked toward a specific part of the village, indicating that he was still conscious but drunk on the power he gained from the totem sacrifice. Someone lay in the debris of a destroyed hut. Yes, it was I who had been beaten down by him with a single throw and was now opening my eyes after a few seconds of the crash. I looked around to find myself beneath pieces of wood and vines. I quickly opened my eyes and stood up, recalling the situation. I was about to hide when I heard the boss''s roar approaching the area where I had just landed. I looked in that direction and saw many huts being destroyed one after another, knowing that the monster would reach me in a few seconds and attack again. I would not be able to withstand another hit from him, as my wrist still ached from the sheer strength he used to grab my hand. I decided to move away to buy some time to formulate a plan. I left the area, and a few seconds later, the mutated boss arrived and started thrashing the place, searching for me or my body. But I, watching from behind the trees on the outskirts of the village, knew that without favorable conditions, I couldn''t defeat him even if I used my power. If I could get some time to heal and replenish my mana, the battle could continue. I just had to bide my time until the debuff wore off, and I regained my stats. As I moved slightly, the boss''s head turned in my direction. I knew his senses were too sharp as not to detect even the slightest noise. It may not be my luck, but he charged toward the source of the sound where I was hiding. At first, I thought it might be a fluke, and he wouldn''t come this way, but like a mad dog, he came straight toward me with his mace ready to strike. Without hesitation, I leapt away from the area, and a second later, the massive mace struck the tree, shattering it like a bundle of thin sticks. "Brother, what kind of power-up is this? Can''t it just stop already? It''s been over ten minutes, and it''s still going," I shouted at him, as there was no need for silence in front of him. But no voice came from the other side, only a strong roar, and the boss''s assault continued. He attacked me relentlessly without any pause while I dodged his attacks by a narrow margin. I was dancing on the edge of life and death, as getting hit would mean certain death in front of this guy. While dodging, I tried to find any weak spot or means to weaken him. What puzzled me the most was that this monster shouldn''t be capable of generating this much Demonic mana. Even if he could, his level should have reached at least fifty by now, but he was still at a lower level while the flow of Demonic mana remained steady. I tried to locate the source of his energy. Alas, I couldn''t find any strong proof of the source within his body, and the constant flow of energy indicated there was no consumption or disruption of energy in his body, like he was getting it from else. Then I started searching for the place where the boss had transformed into a corrupted one. I found the location, but it was very far from here, and there was no way I could see that far, so I needed to go there myself. But as my mind was occupied with these thoughts, the boss seized the opportunity and punched me directly. My senses screamed that death was imminent. I looked at the incoming punch and raised my blade to block the attack successfully, but I was sent flying like a broken kite. The only good thing that happened was that now I was closer to that area, as if the boss was trying to put me within some sort of range. "Sh*t, this guy every attack is like a skill attack from the wolf boss back then," I said as I looked at my sword to find its durability gone down several numbers. I then looked at the boss in rage due to the decreased durability of the blade I had crafted so meticulously by enchanting and semi-evolving its grade. A skeleton appeared in front of me as it was holding his sword and was ready for a battle which was meaningless, but he didn''t know about it. "Go my soldier and provide me some time to head back to that place." I said as taking my orders, the brave skeleton moved forward toward the boss while I start running toward the area to see if I can weaken the boss in any ways. But after taking just a tenth step, I got the notification of the death of my loyal soldier who returned to his original place. ''I won''t forget about this sacrifice, Mr. Skeleton.'' I thought and continued rushing toward the area while the enraged boss was behind me. Only after reaching that place did I get to see the real source of the energy. The source was kind of non-existent and very difficult to see with eyes without any better focus. But with my magical focus skill, I was able to view its partial structure. If I didn''t have it, then maybe I should have died in here. I moved toward it and slashed my blade to destroy it, but nothing happened. Then I realized that it needed a direct hit from a magical spell or something powerful. Before I could do anything, the boss reached me and started attacking again, as if his stamina were endless. I knew this high-level energy was aiding him. "Okay, you won''t stop, right? Then let it be. I shall confront you with honor or without here, even if you don''t want to, as I never send back any fighter without exchanging a single blow," I said, fed up with this cat-and-mouse game. It was time to settle this once and for all. I held my sword, ready to confront him, as he eyed me so intensely it seemed he could kill me with his gaze alone. He launched toward me with his huge mace ready to strike, and I rushed toward him. Before we could make contact, I disappeared, and the boss stopped in his tracks, unable to see me in my spot. And before he could react, a sense of threat appeared behind him. He turned to see who it was, but it was too late; my blade was already poised to strike and hit with multiple attack enchantments. It struck him on the back as the flames raged on the blade, enhanced by the bonus upgrade and new sword effect acquired after semi-evolution. The blow tore away a significant portion of flesh from his neck and back area, including some of the shoulder mass, causing a large amount of blood to pour out. He fell to his knees while the mace dropped to the ground, both of his green and dark hands trying to cover the wound. However, I was not about to let that happen. I seized the opportunity as he attempted to stop the bleeding, which was rapidly healing. If I had ignored it, I would have died immediately, but I didn''t. After my skill''s cooldown was over, I used it again, this time aiming directly at his head from the back. If I had attacked from the front, he would have dodged it due to his high stats boost. I thrust my blade straight into his head, sending him on his way to the afterlife. As I put down the guard, I sensed a surge of energy emanating from it. The energy grew as a large amount poured in, causing the dead boss''s body to shiver and his head to rotate toward me in a manner that sent shivers down my spine. "Human, congratulations on your victory against my failed product," a hoarse voice emanated from the head as if someone were controlling it to speak to me, which made me shocked for few seconds, but I have to get composed again. "I am amazed by your growth and the secrets you possess to block my high-tier spell capable of killing thousands. I want you to become my contractor, and I will grant you the power desire," he said, as if he was some kind of God. "What kind of power? If it''s like what this guy got and drove him crazy, then I don''t need it," I replied, feigning incredulity. "No, what I gave him was lower-grade energy, but you can receive higher-rank energy, making you unrivaled in your rank, just tell me your secret." he said, trying to sugarcoat his words as much as possible. "Hah, well, after hearing your story, I think I will..." I trailed off, heating his anticipation. "Listen, little human child, I don''t have much time to waste, so just give me your answer and become my contractor," he said, growing angrier as his voice took on an urgent tone. "Oh, I am wasting your time. Then you can leave. As I also don''t wish to be in a slave contract with a Tier 2 demon like you," I said mockingly, as silence filled the air and something big emerged. "Hahahahahaha, you insignificant human, you have discovered me and yet you continue to challenge me. Aren''t you scared for your own life." He said mockingly. "No, I am not as what is there to be scared off by a mid-level tier demon which isn''t even worth mentioning." I said like I didn''t care. "Okay, so then prepare to face hell when we meet in the Nexus, for I will personally tear apart that scissor-like tongue of yours and uncover every secret you possess," he shouted like a madman. "Silence, let us wager on who will kill whom. Fear not, for I have not lost a single. A low-grade demon like you will pose no difficulty for me. Wait for your turn, you inferior being," I said, provoking him while using my skill to sever the connection. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was struck at the connection point and began disconnecting as I heard the final words of the demon. "Just you wait, I have marked you with my spell. You can''t escape the grasp of my hands, you lowly insect. I will ki..." he said, but his words were cut off as the connection was completely severed. Exhausted from all the chaos, I collapsed in fatigue. Finally, the raid was over, and the kill notification appeared before me. -- To be continued -- Chapter 98: Dungeon’s End and Punches of Reality I sat cross-legged before the lifeless body of the boss, the so-called ruler of this now-ruined goblin village. My breaths were shallow, and my shoulders were slouched from exhaustion. Not from a glorious battle¡ªbut from all the damn running and scheming it took to avoid one. In the end, I didn¡¯t even exchange a proper blow with the guy. I had to resort to underhanded tricks to finish him off. "But hey¡­ there''s a saying, right? All''s fair in the fight for survival," I muttered, a faint smirk forming as the system notifications rolled in like a reward screen after a long raid. [You''ve killed the Corrupted Hobgoblin Warlord {Boss Unit ¨C Mutated (Lv.19)}, 24x Goblins (Lv.9), 3x Goblins (Lv.10)] [You''ve gained 2840 EXP] ¡ú {3375/700 EXP} [You''ve leveled up! Level 14 (+3)] ¡ú {975/1000 EXP} [You''ve gained 30 Unassigned Stat Points] [Boss eliminated. Dungeon objective complete. The exit portal will open in 30 minutes.] | Total Points: 1199 I skimmed the data and exhaled, both in relief and frustration. I came close¡­ so damn close to reaching Level 15. If only this idiot boss hadn¡¯t gone berserk and killed his own subordinates, I might¡¯ve made it. Still, it wasn¡¯t a complete loss. "Let¡¯s enjoy what I earn first." I approached the corpse, crouched beside it, and tried removing the armor¡ªonly to watch it crumble into shards of useless junk. His weapon, the mace, fared no better. Both were corrupted beyond repair. ¡°Great,¡± I said with a fake sob. ¡°But at least I have the body.¡± If I was lucky, I could gain some stats¡­ maybe even a skill. I straightened up, raised my palm, and declared: ¡°Plunder.¡± A dark energy pulsed from within me, swirling around the boss¡¯s body like a swarm of curious shadows. It seeped inside, digging for anything of value. I blinked at the lines. I hadn¡¯t expected the system to out the corrupted energy and still let me keep the clean portion of the stats. That alone was a powerful cheat that could make a difference in the future. ¡°Well, not bad at all,¡± I muttered, standing up. The boss¡¯s lifeless stare still lingered on the cracked ground. I glanced around the battlefield. The goblin village was utterly destroyed. There wasn''t even a rat left alive. "Tch. If only he hadn¡¯t killed all his lackeys himself, I¡¯d have gotten the few EXP I needed to push into Level 15." But what was done was done. I wandered for a while, hoping to find another goblin¡­ even a bug, if it gave experience. But the silence was final. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Eventually, I returned to where the boss had fallen. From the ground beneath, a shimmering vortex began to form¡ªthe dungeon¡¯s exit portal. ¡°Alright¡­ let¡¯s go home.¡± And with that, I stepped inside and vanished, leaving behind a cursed forest and the corpses buried in it. Outside the Dungeon | CGA Field Site I emerged from the portal, brimming with new energy despite the fatigue. The sun felt different on my skin, warmer, lighter, like it was congratulating me. I looked around¡ªfamiliar faces dotted the open clearing, some smiling, some dazed. A few looked at me and whispered. "Ah, another one made it out." "That¡¯s the quiet guy, right?" My armor and weapon were safely tucked in my inventory. Couldn¡¯t have people seeing those, not after receiving them from the school in secret. I turned to the public board. [Rank: 7th] Perfect. Not high enough to gather attention. Not low enough to disappoint. The top three were no surprise¡ªLucas, Lyre, and that Paladin-class girl from Group C. I spotted Principal Miriam approaching, his expression calm yet pleased. ¡°Well done, Evan. You''ve completed your test. From today onward, you''re officially a registered hunter. With that comes responsibility¡ªand freedom,¡± he said with a slight nod. I nodded back, obediently, respectfully. ¡°If you wish, you may leave. Or you can stay and wait for the others to finish.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll head home. I could really use the rest, sir.¡± He nodded again. ¡°Good. Go on, then.¡± As I turned to leave, I saw his gaze linger on the board. Several names were still gray. Some would never light up again. Even after years as principal, it still hurt him to lose students. Later That Day | In Front of Evan¡¯s Apartment I stood near the roadside, waving down a taxi. One arrived in seconds¡ªthanks to the flood of students returning from the test. ¡°Where to, sir?¡± ¡°Drop me off at¡­¡± I gave the address and sat back as the cab rolled through the streets. It wasn¡¯t long before we arrived at a mid-tier apartment complex. ¡°120 CP,¡± the driver said. I pointed my phone at the screen behind his seat. ¡ªdone. ¡°Thank you, and please use our service again!¡± the car''s automated voice chirped as I stepped out and headed for the stairs. I was just about to insert the key when¡ª ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going, brat?¡± My body tensed. Two figures blocked the door. Their faces were impossible to forget. ¡°Oh, sirs! I was just going inside to rest. My friends and I cleared a dungeon today,¡± I said, as politely and low-key as I could. ¡°Oh? So you''re a Class Awakened now?¡± Brin sneered. ¡°Looks like the brat¡¯s grown wings.¡± ¡°Oh no, sir! I wouldn¡¯t dare to act out in front of you, strong sirs,¡± I said, bowing lightly. ¡°Then prove it,¡± Kale said. He pulled out a verification orb. I let it scan me, confident. [Class: Necromancer Apprentice (D)] [Level: 7] [All skills: Level 1 or below] ¡°He¡¯s telling the truth,¡± Kale said with a chuckle. ¡°Trash-tier stats. He¡¯s not worth it.¡± Brin scoffed. ¡°Then he¡¯s not worth our time either. Pack your stuff. You¡¯re out tomorrow.¡± ¡°Please! Can I¡­ maybe join your guild or¡ª¡± CRACK! A punch landed straight into my stomach, knocking the air from my lungs. I crumpled to my knees, saliva dripping from my lips. ¡°Touch me again, and I¡¯ll end you. You¡¯re not one of us. You never were.¡± I couldn¡¯t even speak. I tried forming words, but only pain came out. ¡°Hey, was that too much?¡± Kale whispered. ¡°Nah. That was barely 5% of my strength,¡± Brin said casually. ¡°He¡¯s still a decent punching bag.¡± They walked off, laughing. As soon as they were gone, I forced myself up and stumbled into my room, locking the door behind me. I leaned against the wall, clenching my stomach. ¡°Aghhh¡­ even after all that strength, it still hurts,¡± I hissed. But despite the pain, a smile crept across my face. ¡°They¡¯re Tier 1¡­ That punch told me everything I needed to know. My time is coming.¡± To Be Continued¡­ Chapter 99: Shadows Stir in the Wake [14th Everdusk 2103], Evan''s Apartment, Dyna Crest Country "Aoooch... it''s still aching, even after getting this strong. Looks like Tier 1 really something else, just like the memory said," I muttered with a faint smile while gently pressing my stomach. What I did back there¡­ it was all an act. A deliberate lie. I wanted them to believe I was just a worthless Awakener¡ªnothing more than background noise. A nobody. This way, I could cut ties cleanly and move without interference. I needed freedom. Freedom to grow strong enough to kill before he gained a title that would make him untouchable. If he became a ¡­ he¡¯d get a hidden protector, and my window of opportunity would vanish. I¡¯d be forced to wait years¡ªif not decades¡ªto strike again. "Alright¡­ no more thinking. Just let me rest¡­" I mumbled, wincing slightly as I carefully laid down. Brin¡¯s punch had done more damage than it seemed. Within moments, my eyes shut tight. Soft snoring filled the room. Sleep claimed me completely. I had no guards up. Not tonight. Too many events in one day¡­ First, the Class Change. Then, the mutant mini-boss¡­ and the final boss. Lastly, the demonic corruption invasion¡ªsomething that should have happened to ... but somehow hit me instead. Just like before¡­ the butterfly effect strikes again. But that¡¯s fine. You can¡¯t change what hasn¡¯t happened yet. You can only prepare for the inevitable. Meanwhile, just a few miles away... A muffled scream echoed in a dimly lit room. A boy lay sprawled on the floor, clutching a pillow in his mouth to stop himself from crying out louder. His entire body glistened with sweat, his skin bright red, as if he''d just been pulled out of boiling oil. Blood seeped from his pores, ears, and nose¡ªhis body overwhelmed by something far beyond normal. Then, silence. The shaking stopped. The air, thick and heavy with heat, suddenly cooled. Lucas gasped for breath, finally able to move again. His body slowly began returning to normal. He rose from the floor, staggering to the bed and sitting down, catching his reflection in the mirror beside him. His frame had changed. Hardened. Enhanced. "It seems the changes are far more drastic than I imagined..." he muttered, flexing his arm and watching the air slightly at his punch. "This is just 3% of the dragon bloodline. What happens when I reach 10¡­ or 50?" He stood up and walked to the drawer beside the bed, pulling out a photo stand. In it, three figures posed with smiles: An old man with gray hair. A teenage girl with the same silver eyes as Lucas. And Lucas himself, standing tall in the center. His sister¡ªFaye Bennett, a prodigy¡ªhad left for the capital years ago. She''d awakened an SS-rank hybrid class, , blending shadow and holy light. A rare and powerful class, held by only four others before her. She became a national treasure. And with that title came restrictions, secrecy, and danger. Their grandfather, the old man in the photo, had been their only support. After he died during a monster raid, everything had crumbled. Until Faye awakened¡ªand sacrificed everything for him. Lucas clenched the frame tightly. "One day, I¡¯ll be strong enough to stand by your side¡­ and protect you for once." He placed the photo back down and opened his system interface to check the results of his evolution. [Status Window ¨C Open] [Name]: Lucas Bennett (Lucas Vale) [Age]: 18 [Race]: Human (97%) / Dragon (3%) ?? [Class]: Battlemage (D^!) ¨C [Title]: Wolf Slayer [Level]: 15 ?? [230/1200 EXP] [Tier]: 0 [Talent]: Dragon Insight (SSS) [Stats] HP: 720 (Base: 300) ?? MP: 860 (Base: 400) ?? Strength: 71 ?? Agility: 72 ?? Intelligence: 86 ?? Constitution: 72 ?? Stamina: 59 ?? Endurance: 55 ?? Unassigned Points: 0 [Skills]: ¡ª ?? ¡ª ?? ¡ª ?? ¡ª ?? [Racial Abilities]: ¡ª ?? ¡ª (Locked) Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lucas smiled. His class had . His awakened. His stats surged, and his skills enhanced. He activated Dragon''s Scales for the first time. A layer of dark red and black scales shimmered across parts of his body, adding weight and defense. The transformation wasn¡¯t complete, but it was enough. A glimpse of the future. Of the power he was destined to wield. But it came at a cost. His mana began draining rapidly, forcing him to cancel the ability. ¡°¡­Way too mana-hungry for now,¡± he sighed. After exploring the interface a bit longer, he headed to the bathroom to wash away the stench left behind by the bloodline assimilation. The water ran. Steam filled the room. But outside the bathroom¡­ someone else had entered the house. Uninvited. Silent. Deadly. The front door had been unlocked using unknown means. Footsteps made no sound. The intruder entered Lucas''s room, examining everything with a clinical eye. And then¡­ stopped in front of the bathroom door. The shadow crouched. Waiting. Lucas emerged. Damp towel. Relaxed expression. Unaware. And just as he stepped out¡ª WHOOSH! A blur of movement. A shadow lunged. A single hand raised in the air¡­ and then¡ª "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH¡ª!" A scream echoed from the house. Loud. Agonizing. Echoing down the block. To be continued¡­ What just happened? Who was the hidden attacker? Was it Evan... or someone else holding a grudge against Lucas? Is this another ripple of the butterfly effect¡­ or something even more dangerous taking form? And most importantly¡ª Is Lucas... alive? Or dead? Want to know more? Chapter 100: The Battle Behind Closed Doors [14th Everdusk 2103] ¡ª Lucas''s Apartment, Dyna Crest Country The intruder crept silently through the dim apartment, halting in front of the bathroom. He pressed himself against the wall, cloaked in shadows, waiting. A moment later, the bathroom door opened with a soft creak. Lucas stepped out, steam trailing behind him, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist. He looked relaxed¡­ unaware of the danger just meters away. Then¡ª "Aaaaaaahhhhh~~~~!!" A loud scream echoed through the apartment. Lucas was sprawled across the floor, clutching his back, a blazing red handprint etched on his skin. "What the hell?!" he yelped, flinching as the figure emerged from the shadows. It was Tess. Her eyes were puffy, rimmed with red¡ªfrom tears or fury, or both. Her breathing was uneven, and her clenched fists trembled with rage. ¡°Wait, you me, right? And you know I don¡¯t act unless I¡¯m confident,¡± Lucas said, raising his hands defensively as he scooted backward on the floor. ¡°So why are you so angry right now?¡± ¡°I know that. But still¡ªbeing this reckless is too much, Lucas!¡± she snapped, stepping forward, towering over him. ¡°Do you have idea how worried I was?!¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine though, aren¡¯t I? Stronger than before too¡ªahh!¡± he said, only to be cut off mid-sentence as another punch landed on his shoulder. Tess was furious. She had warned him not to raid the dungeon alone. He¡¯d ignored her and done it anyway¡ªwhile still being an E-rank Battlemage. For most people, that would¡¯ve been a death sentence. But instead, he¡¯d not only cleared it¡­ he''d ranked first in the test. And defeated Lyre Dawnfield, an S-rank class holder. ¡°After all the years we¡¯ve lived together, you still don¡¯t trust me?¡± Lucas asked, gently catching her wrists mid-swing. ¡°I trust you¡­¡± she muttered. ¡°But even if Faye believes in you blindly, I¡ªI¡¯m still your te¡ªteache¡ª¡± She choked on the word, cheeks turning bright crimson. Lucas grinned. ¡°Oh? So you''re saying my doesn¡¯t believe in me, but her does? That¡¯s troubling. Guess I¡¯ll have to take responsibility and fix that misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Wh-What are you doing¡ª?! Lucas, stop!¡± Tess shrieked as he scooped her into a bridal carry. ¡°I¡¯m not your wife!¡± she shouted, squirming as he carried her into his room. But no one came to her rescue. As the door closed behind them, her muffled protests could still be heard. ¡°L-Lucas! At least let me cook first! We haven¡¯t even had lunch yet! Let¡¯s continue tonight, okay? Pleaaaseee~~¡± Lucas didn¡¯t listen. His desire had reached its limit. ¡°Tess, you know how I am. Once I start something¡­ I won¡¯t stop until I¡¯ve finished it,¡± he said, lips brushing hers. ¡°W-Wait, I¡¯m literally say¡ªmmph!¡± She didn¡¯t get to finish. His kiss silenced her, and thus, the battle between Lucas and Tess began. It lasted hours. A tug-of-war of dominance, shifting back and forth. Sometimes Tess took control, but other times Lucas was the one on top. Neither side truly won, yet neither truly lost. This time, however, things were different. Lucas was no longer the underdog. Tess had always been ahead¡ªstronger, more experienced. A -rank class holder, a Gale Whisperer with deadly wind-imbued archery and agile close combat skills. But now Lucas had awakened too, and though only Level 15, his class had begun to show its overwhelming potential. The playing field was changing. And for the first time, Tess could feel it. Evening fell. Moonlight trickled through the curtains, and the two lay tangled in bed, their bodies wrapped in a thin sheet. ¡°Hah¡­ You¡¯re the worst,¡± Tess whispered, resting her head on his chest, tracing circles on his skin. ¡°Dragging a poor, hopeless girl like me into this¡­ every day.¡± ¡°Oh? A hopeless girl, you say?¡± Lucas chuckled, kissing her forehead. ¡°A Level 58 awakened woman who just crushed me a few hours ago¡­ definitely not hopeless.¡± ¡°You were the one doing the crushing, idiot.¡± ¡°And you were screaming loud enough to break the barrier.¡± he grinned. She glared at him weakly before sighing. ¡°I¡¯m hungry. And now my legs are sore. You really don¡¯t know how to hold back, do you?¡± Lucas laughed. ¡°Let¡¯s just order in. Today¡¯s a day worth celebrating, don¡¯t you think?¡± Tess nodded after a moment. ¡°Okay, fine. But let me rest until the food gets here¡­¡± She curled into him, drifting off to sleep. Lucas remained wide awake, almost brimming with energy. His stamina hadn¡¯t taken a hit¡ª, no doubt. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll take a shower before the food arrives,¡± he said, grabbing his phone and placing the order. Elsewhere ¡ª Evan¡¯s Apartment I woke up groggily, rubbing my eyes as my stomach growled. ¡°It¡¯s evening already?¡± I muttered. ¡°Damn, I must¡¯ve been more tired than I thought.¡± Still half-asleep, I dragged myself to the bathroom, splashed some cold water on my face, then stumbled toward the kitchen. I opened the fridge with the enthusiasm of a zombie¡­ only to find it disappointingly empty. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Alright, no takeout today,¡± I sighed, thinking back to Aunt Rossy¡¯s cooking. Those days were gone. I had to rely on myself now. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll just cook. But first, ingredients.¡± I opened my ancient phone, browsed an online store, and ordered some eggs, veggies, sauces, and spices. I already had some noodles, but I needed the most important thing¡ªmonster meat. It helped awaken class holders recover mana and boosted their physical condition, even for regular people. I scrolled through the meat section, wincing at the prices. ¡°Tens of thousands of points for a single portion?!¡± I groaned. Then I found it¡ªRagged Ember Bear meat, discounted to 560 points for 200g. The meat was older, close to expiring, but still edible. And with thirty-two left, it was selling fast. ¡°Perfect,¡± I said, quickly placing my order. Altogether, I spent nearly a thousand points¡ª But compared to buying a full dish from a stall (which would cost triple that), it was a good deal. Even if the meat was second-rate, An hour later, the ingredients arrived. I cooked the meal slowly, carefully, and when I finally took that first bite¡ª ¡°Not bad¡­ I could get used to this.¡± My heart warmed despite the emptiness of the room. This was mine. My life, my struggle, and my food. And starting tomorrow¡­ I¡¯m going to make enough money to never worry about bills again. That¡¯ll be my motto for every hunt. Chapter 101: A Knock at the Door [15th Everdusk 2103] ¡ª Evan¡¯s Apartment, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City The sun was already high in the sky when I finally woke up. Still groggy, I headed to the kitchen, grabbed the leftovers I¡¯d ordered yesterday, and tossed them in the pan to reheat. While the food sizzled, I freshened up, then came back, plating the reheated meal and sitting down to eat while scrolling through news updates on my phone. I wasn¡¯t browsing randomly. No¡ªwhat I was looking for was specific. After all, it had been nearly a year since mana dungeons started appearing. If I could be the first to discover one, there might be rewards waiting. Closing the news app, I finished the last bite and cleaned up. I was just about to check out the Hunter Association to see if there were any ongoing raids¡ª /THUD!/ A loud bang echoed through my apartment. I moved toward the door, but before I reached it¡ª /Thud/ /Thud/ /Thud/ The repeated knocking soured my mood fast. Opening the door, I found myself face-to-face with a familiar grump. ¡°Why did you open the gate so late, Evan? Getting full of yourself now, huh?¡± Standing there with his usual grumpy face was Horace, the owner of the apartment building. ¡°Ah, Mr. Horace. Come in, sir. I was just about to¡ª¡± ¡°Cut the crap. Where¡¯s the rent? It¡¯s already the sixth, and you¡¯re still squatting here like some freeloading prince!¡± I chuckled, brushing off his irritation with a polite tone. ¡°Ah, apologies, sir. I¡¯ve been tied up with school deadlines. But don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll pay right now. Please, take a seat.¡± ¡°Tch. Make it quick. I¡¯ve got other tenants to harass¡ªuh, I mean check on.¡± As he slumped into the chair, I handed him a glass of water and pulled up his contact to transfer the rent. ¡°So,¡± he said after a sip, ¡°did you awaken a class? You young folks usually do by now, right?¡± Ah. There it was. If I told him I didn¡¯t, he might¡¯ve used it as an excuse to throw me out. But if I told him the truth¡­ ¡°Indeed I did, sir. A small D-rank Necromancer class. Already level 14, in fact. Should be able to ascend to Tier 1 within a few months... a year at most.¡± His face froze. I could the chill crawling up his spine. He was one of the unlucky ones¡ªnever awakened a class. It changed him. Made him bitter. ¡°O-Oh, that¡¯s... great. G-Good for you. Hahaha...¡± And then he stood. ¡°Well then! I¡¯ll be going now. Got more, uh, to check on. You stay safe, Evan! And let me know if you need anything, okay? Byeee~~!¡± He ran out like a rat fleeing a hungry hawk. ¡°Take care, sir,¡± I called after him with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯ll personally help you next time!¡± Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Horace gone, I glanced back at my account balance. (Remaining Balance: 4910 Points) Before I left, I checked my gear. Duskfang Vest (Enchanted) Armor (Chest) Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0) Description: A beginner¡¯s chainmail chestplate evolved through expert craftsmanship and refined enchantments. Offers durability and protection far above basic gear¡ªperfect for early-stage adventurers. Attributes: ? Defense: +20 ? Durability: 107/120 (!) ? Weight: Moderate High Ember Fang (Enchanted) Weapon (One-Handed Sword) Tier 0, Vernis+ (Rank 0) Description: What was once a mere iron sword has been reborn after merging with the fiery and shadow-infused essence of an Alpha Wolf (Lv. 10). The blade now flickers with dark embers, a fusion of destruction and stealth. Attributes: ? Attack Power: +20 ? Durability: 74/100 (!) ? Weight: Light Special Effects: ? Enhanced Fire Strike ¨C 25% chance to deal an additional 70% of attack power as shady fire-based magic damage. ? Veiled Predator ¨C Attacks from stealth or surprise deal 50% increased damage. I was about to store them in my inventory when a sudden chime rang in my ears. A system notification popped up in front of me. [Talent has detected the durab¡ª] ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 102: Restoration Junction and the Hunter’s Path [15th Everdusk 2103], Evan''s Apartment, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City [Talent has detected the durability of the items enchanted by talent decreasing.] [The function of the Restoration Junction is being enabled.] [You can now check the durability of the items you enchanted in the junction and restore them using points. The cost increases with each successive restoration.] My eyes lit up. ¡°Oh my god, isn¡¯t this broken?!¡± I exclaimed. ¡°I can actually repair enchanted items instead of discarding them!¡± I quickly opened the Talent Tab, spotting a new icon marked Restoration. One tap brought up a sleek interface. << Restoration Junction >> Duskfang Vest (107/120) ¡ú Ember Fang (74/100) ¡ú ¡°This is outrageous,¡± I muttered, tapping the screen. ¡°The cost to fix such low-grade items is this high?!¡± No reply, of course. I sighed and opened the Eternal System tab, checking the time remaining until it was fully operational. (Remaining Time: 13 Weeks : 4 Days : 5 Hours : 24 Minutes : 9 Seconds) Still over three months. At this rate, I might hit Level 100 and break into Tier 1 before the system even comes online. ¡°I guess there¡¯s no point in waiting,¡± I muttered and hit the button for both items. [Detected total cost: 83 EEP | Current Points: 1116 EEP] ¡°YES, TAKE IT! TAKE DOUBLE IF YOU WANT, YOU LEECH!¡± I shouted, slamming my finger onto the confirmation button. A soft glow surrounded the items for a few minutes. When I pulled them out... The results were glorious. The Ember Fang sword¡ªpreviously chipped and cracked¡ªgleamed like new. The Duskfang Vest was completely restored, with no more slashes or holes from the dungeon boss''s rampage. ¡°Well... I guess it was worth the extortion,¡± I said with a grin, sliding the items back into my inventory. ¡°With this feature, I won¡¯t have to constantly replace my gear anymore.¡± S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now that the excitement was over, I figured it was time to move. I had plans¡ªspecifically, raiding a few dungeons through the Hunter Association and earning some quick credits. I looked around my apartment. One blade. One chestplate. That was all I had. ¡°Even newbie Hunters have more gear than me. This is embarrassing,¡± I muttered, pulling on my old coat. After grabbing my key and gear, I headed to the door... But not before making a quick stop in the washroom. (Nature¡¯s call waits for no one.) ¡°Okay, now let¡¯s go,¡± I said to myself and stepped outside, locking the door. Just as I did, the door next to mine flew open. My grumpy neighbor poked his head out, clearly irritated. ¡°Hey! Can¡¯t you see people might be sleeping? These kids nowadays, thinking the world revolves around them!¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m sorry, sir! Won¡¯t happen again!¡± I blurted and bolted down the stairs, bowing mid-sprint like a guilty student. ¡°Jeez... kids these days,¡± he muttered before shutting his door. At the bottom of the stairs, I glanced upward to make sure the coast was clear. ¡°Whew. He wouldn¡¯t have stopped if I had stayed even a second longer,¡± I exhaled and walked to the main road. There were buses, sure¡ªbut none that took me directly to the Hunter Association. I waited until a taxi pulled up beside me. The driver rolled down his window. ¡°Yes, sir, where to?¡± I flashed him my Hunter Association card. He gave a nod and unlocked the back door. As we started driving, the middle-aged driver glanced at me through the mirror. ¡°You just became a Hunter, didn¡¯t you?¡± I smiled. ¡°Yeah, uncle. Just awakened yesterday. Going for my second dungeon today.¡± ¡°Good, good. Even my son awakened his class yesterday... though it¡¯s an auxiliary type. Not too flashy, but at least it¡¯s safe.¡± ¡°Safety is better than flash. I hope he grows strong enough to support your family,¡± I said politely. The conversation reminded me¡ªof a past life. My half-brother, a gifted Mechanic, was exiled from his prestigious family for not having a ¡®combat-worthy¡¯ class. He died in an alleyway. My mother grieved. And in that twisted household, my father killed her... Like cutting away a ¡°withered¡± leaf to protect the rest of the tree. ¡°Thank you, son,¡± the driver said with a soft smile. He didn¡¯t say much after that, and the rest of the ride passed in silence. I paid the fare¡ª127 CP, leaving me with 4783 CP¡ªand stepped out in front of the towering Hunter Association building. I took a deep breath and stared at its gates. But then a thought struck me. ¡°Wait... What the hell is Lucas doing right now?¡± I narrowed my eyes. -< To be continued >- Chapter 103: A Solo Hunter’s Dilemma [14th Everdusk, 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City. I stepped out of the taxi after paying the fare, my gaze settling on the large metal doors of the CGA building¡ªthe main hub for hunters in this city. It wasn¡¯t just a headquarters. The CGA boasted a vast network that catered to nearly every hunter¡¯s need: Dungeons, a bustling Market, and even cross-city Portals for long-distance travel. Everything a hunter could ask for. ¡°¡­No point checking out the market,¡± I muttered to myself. ¡°Didn¡¯t loot anything worth selling yet. Maybe after clearing a dungeon.¡± With that, I turned my attention to the main building. The front gate shimmered faintly with mana¡ªit automatically opened upon sensing a registered hunter¡¯s mana signature. A clever piece of tech designed by a genius trap master, apparently after some kind of incident. I didn¡¯t care enough to know the full story. Walking in, I ignored the buzz of conversation and the shuffle of gear-laden hunters. My destination was clear: the dungeon check-in counter. But what I saw brought me to a halt. Long lines. Every reception desk was swamped. And to make things worse, I recognized a few familiar faces¡ªsome from my own class. I sighed and chose one of the shorter lines. I''d learned to assess efficiency over length. Some receptionists were faster than others, and every minute counted. I did a rough mental calculation. If each hunter took about three to five minutes to process, my turn would come soon enough. It was a good decision. While others who joined the line with me were still stuck midway, I found myself third in line. Progress. Half an hour later, it was finally my turn. Only one guy ahead of me now¡ªthough he was in a heated argument with the receptionist. Took six minutes before he finally stormed off, mumbling something about unfair rules. ¡°Next,¡± the attendant called with a strained smile. Fake. I¡¯d seen that expression dozens of times before. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here to raid a dungeon. I¡¯d like to see the available options,¡± I said. He nodded and began typing, professional as ever. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll need your ID. Also, your Class, Level, and the number of people you¡¯ll be raiding with.¡± I handed over my hunter ID. ¡°Necromancer. Level 14. I¡¯ll be raiding solo.¡± That¡¯s when it happened. He froze. Eyes narrowing, he stared at the bottom-right corner of my ID. Then he looked at me. Then, back at the ID. Again. ¡°Sir¡­¡± he said slowly. ¡°Is this some joke? Because if it is, I¡¯m not in the mood.¡± ¡°Huh? Did I say something wrong?¡± I asked, confused. Before I could explain, he cut me off. ¡°No, listen carefully, kid. You raid a dungeon solo¡ªnot right now. You¡¯re not eligible.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± He sighed loudly. ¡°Ugh¡­ Why do I always get stuck with these clueless newbies? Alright, listen up. You might think solo hunting is cool. Leveling faster, growing stronger, all that. But this isn¡¯t some fantasy story. This is real life. And here, we don¡¯t just let people waltz into dungeons alone.¡± His tone was firm. A bit too blunt for my taste. ¡°You need to an eligibility test for solo raids. Until then, you¡¯ll need to team up. And even if you to take the test, you¡¯d have to wait at least eight days. The Branch Manager are swamped with major tasks right now.¡± In my past life, solo hunting was the norm. I never needed any damn permission. But then I remembered¡ªthis isn¡¯t the same country. The rules here might¡¯ve changed before I transmigrated. While I was lost in thought, the guy grabbed my hand and started pulling me away from the counter. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to waste on you. Either come back with a team or don¡¯t come at all,¡± he said, returning to his station without another glance. Frustrated, I stood there. I join a party¡­ but that meant revealing my talents. Letting strangers see my abilities. And if there¡¯s one truth I¡¯ve learned¡ª Humans are the greediest monsters of them all. Still, I turned toward the bulletin to check out open party requests. But then¡ª ¡°Hey, kid!¡± I turned around. The same receptionist, now looking oddly flustered, was jogging toward me. ¡°I was told to speak with you,¡± he said. ¡°Mind listening for a sec?¡± I was about to leave after being rejected by yet another team, but I stopped and nodded. ¡°Sure.¡± Without explaining, he grabbed my arm and pulled me toward a side room where another man¡ªhis senior¡ªwas already waiting. They locked the door behind them. The atmosphere shifted. Serious expressions. Tier 1 presence. I instinctively tensed. ¡°Uh¡­ Sirs? I¡¯m just doing what you told me¡ªlooking for a party. I didn¡¯t mean to cause trouble,¡± I said, just in case. The older one chuckled. ¡°Relax, kid. We¡¯re not here to hurt you. I overheard your case and¡­ well, we might have a workaround.¡± ¡°¡­Really?¡± I asked. ¡°Just to confirm¡ªis it free? Or do I need to pay or trade something?¡± He laughed again. ¡°Smart kid. But no, this isn¡¯t some back-alley deal. And we already know you¡¯re broke by how you dress. So quit worrying.¡± I nodded cautiously. ¡°Alright then,¡± I said. ¡°What¡¯s this workaround you¡¯re talking about?¡± The man leaned forward, voice lowering slightly. ¡°So listen carefully, kid¡­ The thing is¡ª¡± To be continued. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Author''s Note: Hey everyone! Hope you enjoyed the chapter! Fun fact¡ªI was originally going to call this one ???? Guess that still kind of fits, huh? Chapter 104: Lone Wolf Test "So listen, kid," the officer began, leaning back in his chair. "You want to hunt alone in the dungeon, right? Well, to do that, you need verified proof of solo entry. That kind of approval isn¡¯t given lightly. Most hunters prefer parties due to high mortality rates." I gave a nod, allowing him to continue. "The CGA recently introduced a badge system¡ªone for party hunters and one for those crazy enough to go solo. They call it the ¡®Lone Wolf¡¯ badge. To earn it, the branch manager must approve a solo challenge¡ªagainst an opponent at least ten to fifteen levels above your own. If you win, congrats. You''re in. But if you lose¡­" he paused, locking eyes with me, "you¡¯ll be forced to hunt in parties for the rest of your career¡ªunless you break past human limits." As he spoke, the junior officer attending me nodded at a signal and hurried out of the room. I took a deep breath. "I understand the risk, sir. But I need to go solo. My skills... they''re too unpredictable, too dangerous for teammates. I need space to use them freely, without risking anyone else." The senior officer raised a brow, then slowly nodded. "So you''re trying to avoid hunters so you can unleash your full strength. Got it." He leaned forward, lowering his voice slightly. "In that case, there another way." I frowned. "But sir, isn¡¯t the Branch Manager already under a mountain of paperwork? Won¡¯t this be too much?" "Oh, don¡¯t worry. This alternative hasn¡¯t been used in a while¡ªnot since... the accident." I blinked. "Wait, what accident? And what is this method you''re talking about?" He chuckled dryly. "We used to have a test¡ªspecial dungeon, no level limits. The boss wouldn¡¯t kill you, just beat you up and eject you. Harsh but fair. It was effective." "That sounds useful. Why stop using it?" "Because of accident," he said grimly. "One of the hunters... the boss didn¡¯t stop after the fight. Tore off both his arms and a leg before letting him go. He barely survived. After that, the former Branch Manager banned it." "And it was never used again?" "It was... a couple more times. But the fear stuck. The manager restricted it for good. But... if want to try it... the option''s there." He looked at me, eyes steady. "So, what do you say, kid? You in?" Before I could respond, the door burst open. The junior officer rushed in, slightly breathless. "Sir! The Branch Manager is on the line." "Huh? I told you to call the Manager! Why''d you call her?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "She was there when I explained things, sir. She overheard and asked for a full report. I had to tell her." The senior officer groaned and took the call. The phone speaker crackled, and a sharp voice rang out. "Have you two lost your minds?! You can''t authorize that test without permission or the Vice Manager¡¯s! Are you suddenly managers now?" "No, ma¡¯am!" the officer stammered. "We weren¡¯t going to proceed without clearance! I was only the boy if he wanted to take the test." "That test is dangerous! According to this report, he''s just a Level 14 Necromancer! You think he can pass something that Peak Tier 0 hunters failed at?!" "But the dungeon adjusts to the raider, right?" "Even so! Have you lost your damn mind?!" He was still trying to explain when I stepped forward. "Sir... may I speak with her?" He hesitated. "What are you going to say? You won¡¯t change her mind." "Please. Just give me a chance." He sighed. "Fine. Don¡¯t cry if you get banned for the week." I took the phone. "Hello, Ma¡¯am, Lilia. My name is Evan. You might not remember, but I was one of the students who met you alongside Mr. Darian. There was¡­ a bit of a scene back then." There was silence... then a reply. "Ah, one of kids. I remember now. But tell me, don''t you have any raid party to join?" "No, ma¡¯am. I work better alone. My skills... they don¡¯t mix well with others. Even my summons can endanger allies if I¡¯m not careful." A soft sigh came from the other side. "I get it. You¡¯ve got class issues and not much of a social bone. But this test could end your career in an instant. That dungeon is unique. No level cap. One-on-one with a boss that¡¯ll outlevel you by a lot. That¡¯s the only way to prove you can truly go solo." She paused again, her voice firm but slightly softer. "Think carefully, Evan. If you want to attempt it, I might allow it. I may even drop by for a few minutes to observe it myself... under the pretense of a ''special test.''" Another pause. "Now. Tell me, do you wish to attempt it or not?" I looked at the silent room around me, felt the weight of the decision¡ªand spoke. "...Ma¡¯am, I wish¡ª" ¡ªTo be continued. Chapter 105: Into the Unknown [14th Everdusk, 2103] | CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country "Then tell me¡ªdo you wish to attempt it or not?" S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Ma''am, I wish to raid it. Waiting won''t change anything," I replied firmly. "According to Sir, you''ll be testing me against a hunter who''s ten to twelve levels stronger. So why not just let me try my luck inside the dungeon? What''s the worst that could happen? Lose a limb? It''s not like that''s never happened before." There was silence for a moment¡ªuntil I heard a sigh from the other end. "...Fine. Prepare yourself. I¡¯ll arrive shortly to oversee your test. But listen carefully¡ªif the boss sheathes its weapon, don¡¯t push further. Agitate it, and it will kill you." "Understood, ma¡¯am." "Then hand the phone back to the field agent and let him handle the rest." I passed the phone back to the agent. He nodded along to her words a few times before ending the call. Then he looked at me like I¡¯d just sprouted horns. "...Kid, what the hell are you? How did you manage to convince her? Just a few months ago, she shot down this exact request." "Maybe she was in a good mood? I just told her the truth." He gave me a long look, then shook his head. "...Follow me." The junior officer behind us shut the door as the field agent led me through a secured hallway. We approached a door that only a few elite hunters were allowed to use. Strong ones, just by the looks of them. Down a narrow stairwell, we reached the basement floor¡ªanother world entirely. Hunters and officers I¡¯d never seen before roamed freely. There were even stalls set up¡ªselling goods that made my eyes widen. I recognized the origin instantly. Not local. Not even from this realm. These items were from The Nexus. A realm we only enter after reaching Tier 1¡ªor in rare cases, when some monster-level talents break through early during Tier 0. Most Tier 0s still grind in dungeons, but those few... they advance too fast. "Sir," I asked quietly, "does this place have a Nexus portal?" The agent stopped mid-step. He turned to me with a sharp gaze, as if I¡¯d uttered a taboo. "...How do you know about that?" he asked, voice cold. "You shouldn¡¯t even that word here. Either talk, or die." His mana surged. The air thickened, heavy and oppressive. I struggled to breathe. "Sir, please. My parents were Peak Tier 1 hunters. They died protecting this city. They were also Nexus raiders. Before their final mission, they left behind a hidden message for me... in case they never returned. They warned me not to share it with anyone¡ªnot even me, unless they were gone. So I followed their instructions. That¡¯s how I know." The pressure around me eased a little. "...And this message? Where is it?" "They told me to burn it after reading. Said it would be dangerous in the wrong hands." "...Haaah. Fine. That does sound like something the old-timers would do." His shoulders relaxed slightly. "Still... tell me something about the Nexus. Something that confirms your knowledge. We usually require a system oath from outsiders." "Right, but... the info I have might not be anything special. I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯ll convince you..." "...Why am I even in this situation..." He rubbed his temples. "Fine. Just tell me what the letter instructed you to do when entering the Nexus." So I told him. The details. The warnings. The sequence. The survival strategies. Minutes passed as I laid it all out. At the end, he just sighed. "...You''re lucky you¡¯re honest, kid. If you''d lied to me¡ªjust once¡ªI would¡¯ve snapped your neck." /Ughh.../ I forced a nod, swallowing hard. Even with all my power and progress, facing a Tier 1 opponent was suicide. Even most mid-Tier 0 hunters were out of my league. With the tension eased, he led me to another room. The junior officer from earlier stood waiting beside a strange device. He gave the agent a small nod as we approached. Then, the door to the dungeon opened. What lay beyond... wasn''t anything I recognized. No red, green, or blue. No glowing fog. No distorted aura. Just a milky-grey vortex outlined by white gibberish runes¡ªa portal unlike any I¡¯d seen in this life¡­ or the past two. "Well, kid, you''re not the only one shocked," the agent muttered. "This is the most unique dungeon we¡¯ve ever encountered. It looks similar to normal ones, but don¡¯t be fooled. There¡¯s no level cap here." He pointed toward the portal. "There¡¯s only monster. The boss. It¡¯ll always be ten to fifteen levels higher than you. Beat it in under thirty minutes¡ªor we pull you out." His eyes met mine. "...So. Are you ready?" ¨C¨C ?? Attention, everyone! The raid is about to commence! ???? Be sure to add it to your library. Chapter 106: Trial of the Stormblade Knight ¡°So, kid, are you ready for the test?¡± ¡°Yes, sir. Just got dazed seeing a dungeon like this¡­ Even a high-ranking hunter looked shocked like it was his first time witnessing something like it.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± the officer chuckled. ¡°Even I was baffled the first time I saw this place. But now¡­ it¡¯s just another day at work.¡± I gave a small grin, nodding in understanding. Then, I turned and approached the dungeon¡¯s entrance, ready to begin my test¡ªonly to be abruptly stopped. A hand clutched my shoulder. ¡°Whoa there, kid. You planning to die in there?¡± The field agent gave me a baffled look. ¡°Where¡¯s your armor? Your gear? And most importantly¡ªyour weapon?¡± I paused, a little sheepish, and started equipping the few items I had. I couldn¡¯t even escape his grip until he was sure I¡¯d listened. ¡°Listen, kid. You may not hear this again, so pay attention. Whenever you enter a dungeon, suit up first. It might just save your life.¡± ¡°Understood, sir. I won¡¯t forget your advice,¡± I replied seriously. I slung on my armor, fastened my gear, and nodded respectfully. Just before stepping through the gate, I glanced back. ¡°Oh, and sir¡ªmaybe the Branch Manager will drop by. She mentioned it on the call earlier.¡± Then I vanished inside, leaving the officer stunned. ¡°The manager...? This kid really is something. To have the Branch Manager supervise a basic field test¡­¡± He sighed, turning toward a junior officer monitoring mana fluctuations from a nearby machine. ¡°Keep watch. If this dungeon starts acting weird, I want a report immediately.¡± Inside the Dungeon I found myself standing before a colossal mountain. A cave mouth yawned at its base, shrouded by dense forest behind me. I decided to scout the forest first¡ªonly to find it quickly obscured by a dense, fog-like wall. I couldn¡¯t push through. ¡°That¡¯s the limit, huh? Looks like the only way forward¡­ is through that cave.¡± I turned back and approached the cavern. The deeper I ventured, the darker and colder it became. The air grew heavy. Gloom seeped into the stone itself. Sword marks scarred the cave walls¡ªdeep, furious slashes, long since dulled by time. Whether the boss made them in rage or some past challenger fought here, I couldn¡¯t tell. Eventually, a soft glow pierced the darkness. I rushed forward, thinking it might be sunlight¡­ But what awaited me was far from natural. Mana crystals embedded in the stone cast pale light across a massive chamber. Their shimmer danced like trapped starlight. I stepped inside. And then¡ªI saw him. A skeleton clad in knight¡¯s armor sat slumped against the wall. A long, elegant sword stood planted beside him. Nearby, a pile of bones lay scattered¡ªmaybe from monsters he had fought or creatures that died with him. As I neared, a twitch ran through the knight¡¯s skeletal frame. I narrowed my eyes. ¡°Oi, come on now. I know you¡¯re the boss,¡± I said with a smirk. ¡°Get up already, you¡¯re the only¡­ well, here.¡± S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The twitching grew violent. And then¡ª Fwoosh¡ª! Twin yellow flames blazed to life in his eye sockets. He rose. In one motion, he yanked his sword from the ground and took a combat stance. My system interface flickered to life¡ªsomething it did in normal dungeons. {The Vengeful Spirit of the Stormblade Skeleton Knight (Lv.27) is emerging to eliminate the intruder.} I blinked. ¡®...Oh boy. Guess today might be my funeral.¡¯ The knight charged. ¡°Bro, can¡¯t we at least first¡ª?!¡± I dove aside just in time. His sword slammed into the ground where I¡¯d stood, sending a shockwave through the chamber. A deep scar split the stone. My eyes widened. ¡°Okay. Definitely a strength-focused build...¡± I regained my footing and smiled faintly. ¡®Good news: his speed is just slightly higher than mine. That means I can catch up...¡¯ But then reality slapped me. I saw the damage from his single swing. It was . ¡°Let¡¯s test your defense now, you oversized blender!¡± I activated my mage skill for the first time. [Aracne Bolt] -15 MP A bolt of condensed blue mana surged forward, slicing the air with a sharp hum. It aimed directly at the skeleton¡¯s chest. He didn¡¯t dodge. Didn¡¯t flinch. Didn¡¯t even . And when it struck¡ª It barely scratched him. The boss¡¯s HP bar dropped by less than 1%. ¡°...Huh?¡± I stared in disbelief. His armor was untouched. It felt like I¡¯d just thrown a pebble at a fortress wall. ¡®So that¡¯s it¡­ Strength, Health, and Endurance. Classic knight class. Storm and Wind elements too, from the look of his passive aura.¡¯ Not impossible¡­ but far from easy. Still, I had one more card up my sleeve. My trump card. If it worked, I could win this. I activated the skill I¡¯d been saving. And that¡­ might¡¯ve been my biggest mistake ever. To be continued... Chapter 107: Rise of the Phantom Gale ___ [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country ¡ª Dungeon of the Test I used my most trusted skill¡ªnot to attack, but to buy some time. [Undead Summon] {-64 MP} Two skeletons emerged beside me, their bones creaking and weapons raised. My plan was simple: stall the boss, assign my unspent stat points, and turn this battle in my favor. But that¡ªwas the greatest mistake I¡¯ve made so far. The Stormblade Skeleton Knight didn¡¯t lunge forward. Instead, he froze mid-charge, his burning yellow eyes locked on my summons. "Strange," I muttered. ¡°Why is he¡ª?¡± Taking the opportunity, I pulled up my status window to distribute points. I was about to dump them into AGL and INT¡ªboost my mana pool and spell power¡ªwhen suddenly, an overwhelming surge of mana exploded from the boss¡¯s body. Then he screamed. "Rahhhhhhhhhhhhh~~!! You vile creatures of death... I will end YOU and your filthy master!" That¡­ That wasn¡¯t just anger. It was hatred¡ªpure, vengeful hatred that came from somewhere deep within his soul. The wave of pressure he released shook the cave walls. And then, two system notifications popped up in front of me like death warrants. [Warning! The boss: Stormblade Skeleton Knight has entered an ENRAGED state due to unknown reasons.] [Boss Level has increased: Lv.27 ¡ú Lv.29] [The host is advised to retreat immediately. Target¡¯s current strength exceeds the recommended threat level.] S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I froze. Just for a second. But it was enough to realize¡ª I f*cked up. Still, there was no time to waste. My hand moved in instinct. __ {Stats} : 510 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: 2.55/minute = 51*.05) : 500 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 2.50/minute = 50*.05) 56 81 (30^) 51 50 41 52 Unassigned Stats: 00 (-30) 164+20[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 75 [MAG: INT*1.5] 93+20 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ I felt it immediately¡ªmy muscles loosened, my limbs lightened. The speed boost was huge. I had one edge now: mobility. I raised my sword and glared back at the boss. "I swear I¡¯ll plunder every single stat you¡¯ve hoarded. I swear on my damn stats!" But the Skeleton Knight¡­ didn¡¯t answer. His burning gaze turned away from me and back to my summons. "You... abominations of death. I will purge every last trace of your cursed existence." He pointed his blade toward the pile of bones beside him, the remains of the monster I saw earlier. "O, steed of mine¡­ rise once again and serve your master. Let us cleanse this land of filth." "Oi, aren¡¯t you a skeleton too?" I yelled, pointing my sword at him. "Calling my summons vile while looking like that? Hypocrite!" But he didn¡¯t even glance at me. Instead, the bones on the ground began to shake violently. "No¡­ no way." The remains assembled¡ªforming a steed, a towering undead horse. A green glow flared in its empty sockets, and shadows crawled across its limbs like living armor. Patches of skin and hair formed where bones once were, giving the beast a half-living, half-dead appearance. Its saddle formed from swirling darkness. And in the blink of an eye, the steed charged forward and halted at its master¡¯s side. "That thing¡¯s going to give him mobility. No¡­ I can¡¯t let that happen!" [Bone Fang Strike] {-11 MP} I unleashed a sharp projectile formed from bone and necrotic energy¡ªaimed straight at the steed¡¯s legs. But¡ª CLANG! The knight parried it mid-air with a single swing of his sword. My strike vanished into useless particles. Then came the next system alert. [The steed of the boss has been summoned via the skill: Zephoros, the Phantom Gale.] [Zephoros, the Phantom Gale (Lv.19) has entered the dungeon.] [HP: 100% / 100%] The boss was now mounted. My only advantage¡ªspeed¡ªwas gone. "This¡­ might really be it," I whispered. The undead knight raised his sword high, his steed snorting like a demon from hell. "BEHOLD¡­ the power of our companionship!" And then they charged. The blade cut through the air, aiming straight for my skull. I had mere seconds to act. And if I didn¡¯t¡ª To be continued¡­ Chapter 108: Duel of Bones and Tempest (Part 1) [14th Everdusk, 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country ¡ª Test Dungeon. The boss charged at me, his skeletal steed thundering across the tight dungeon corridor. I barely managed to dodge the incoming blow¡ªbut what came next caught me completely off guard. A razor-sharp gust of wind sliced across my cheek like an invisible blade. {-14 HP} "Argh!" I hissed, clutching the fresh wound. A system notification flashed in front of me, and my eye twitched as it cheerfully explained what just happened. [System has detected the boss using two passive skills: , ] "Oh, fantastic. Just rub some salt on it while you''re at it." I glared at the system screen, which promptly vanished like it had done its job. The only small mercy in this situation was the limited space of the dungeon. The horse''s mobility was severely restricted, making it harder for the boss to close the distance. If we¡¯d been fighting in an open field, I¡¯d already be a corpse. ¡°Alright, go cause chaos for his bony speedster,¡± I ordered my two skeletons, who¡¯d been standing beside me like clueless bodyguards. At my command, the boneheads lurched into action. The boss had already turned his steed toward me again, preparing to charge¡ªbut this time, my summons intercepted him. To my surprise, their speed had increased after the recent stat boost. They managed to reach the horse and began attacking its skeletal body, forcing it to stumble and move erratically. Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t enough to dismount the boss. With a wide slash, the knight effortlessly decapitated both skeletons in a single swing. Still, it was enough for me to make my move. [Shadow Bolt] [Bone Fang Strike] I fired off two spells in quick succession. The Bone Fang raced forward first, aimed directly at the boss, while the Shadow Bolt followed behind. As expected, the knight blocked the fang with ease¡ªhis eyes locked on the glowing projectile. But that was just bait. The real attack was the bolt behind it¡ªalmost invisible in the dungeon¡¯s dim lighting. He didn¡¯t even notice it wasn¡¯t aimed at him. Instead, the Shadow Bolt struck the horse square in the head. BOOM! The impact sent the steed crashing to the ground. The boss rolled off, hitting the floor with a grunt of surprise. ¡°You dirty, cowardly trickster! How dare you harm my companion!¡± he roared, standing tall. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll show you the true terror of a Storm Knight of the La###en House!¡± I didn¡¯t even have time to react before he swung his blade¡ªfrom meters away. A blade of wind shot out from his slash, hurtling toward me. My instincts screamed, and I dropped to the ground just in time. The slash passed over me with a howl, carving a line into the stone wall behind. I was about to sigh in relief¡­ when a sharp pain lanced through my shoulder. {-57 HP} Blood splattered the floor as I stumbled back, gripping my arm. The pain was intense¡ªbut not enough to drop me. Not anymore. ¡®That hurt¡­ but I¡¯ve felt worse,¡¯ I thought grimly. My memories from my past life were still surfacing, and with them came the tolerance to pain and torment far greater than this. ¡®What the hell kind of Tier 0 boss is this? This is way too powerful... unless he¡¯s pretending to be lower level. No, if that were true, I¡¯d already be dead.¡¯ The knight¡¯s distorted voice echoed once more. ¡°Oi, devil-worshiper, how was my little gift? Enjoyed it? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll carve another mark straight into your chest next time.¡± His steed groaned, attempting to rise again. Its skull was cracked, bone splintered, but it was still standing¡ªbarely. The knight jumped back onto its back, raising his sword high for one final charge. I checked their health bars¡ªhis HP was nearly full, just a minor dent. But the horse was barely holding on, sitting around 20¨C30% health. ¡°Aren¡¯t you underestimating me a bit too much?¡± I muttered, narrowing my eyes. No reply. Either he couldn¡¯t hear me or didn¡¯t care. The moment he lunged forward, I braced myself. My grip on my weapon tightened as I launched my counterattack. [Shadow Leap] [Power Strike] I blinked from my position in an instant¡ªreappearing directly in front of his mount. My blade cleaved through the horse¡¯s ribcage and even scraped against the knight¡¯s armor. He reacted just in time, twisting and leaping off to the side. He avoided a fatal blow. But the horse? It wasn''t so lucky. With a sickening crunch, the steed was cleaved clean in half¡ªits body collapsing in a pile of shattered bone and dust. One problem down. The bleeding in my shoulder had slowed, but the stinging pain remained. I could barely move my arm, but I didn¡¯t have the luxury to rest. ¡°RRRAAAAAAAHHHHHHH¡ª!!!¡± The knight¡¯s anguished howl echoed through the chamber as he stared at the corpse of his mount. ¡°You filthy heathens! First you killed my lord, and now you take my steed again?! I swear¡ªI¡¯ll hunt every last one of you down and rip your bodies apart with my bare hands!¡± Fury ignited in his eyes as he abandoned the fallen horse and charged at me with reckless abandon. He was completely berserk now¡ªwild swings, no defense, no strategy. But that was exactly what I was waiting for. With my speed advantage and his mind clouded by rage, I could dodge and even land counters. His strikes were fast, but now¡­ predictable. The real battle had only just begun. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And now began the worst part¡ª The pain. The slow, grinding, attrition-style battle where my HP would be chipped away piece by piece. And I knew¡­ this was going to take a while. My blade glowed as I stepped forward. The final round was underway. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 109: Duel of Bones and Tempest [2] [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country ¡ª Test Dungeon The final battle began. The boss, now fully engulfed in his rage mode, let out a primal roar and charged at me, his longsword gleaming with destructive intent. "YOU SHALL PAY THIS DEBT WITH YOUR BLOOD, YOU VILE WORSHIPPER!" His voice thundered through the chamber as he slashed at my neck with all his fury. A powerful gust of wind surged from the blade¡ªbut I was ready. I moved in first, parrying the blow and halting his swing mid-motion. "YOU¡ª!" His hand came crashing down, aiming to pummel me into the ground. Too slow. [Shadow Leap] In the blink of an eye, I vanished. The boss''s empty hand slammed into the ground with a dull thud, the force cracking the stone beneath. Before he could even react¡ª A glint behind his back. A flash of fire. My blade struck the base of his skull. The flame enchantment flared to life, erupting in a burst of heat. Bones cracked from the force¡ªbut the boss remained unfazed, his HP bar barely twitching. He growled in annoyance, turning slowly toward me. "These lowly tricks won''t change anything, fool!" Before he could react further, I delivered a clean punch to his back. Though it didn¡¯t pierce his armor, I felt something shift¡ªbones creaking within. My eyes darted to his HP bar. 3~4% drop. I blinked. That worked? I dismissed my sword into my inventory, heart racing with revelation. "So it does work here¡­" The image of a legend flashed through my mind. A memory etched in the hearts of countless aspirants¡ªof someone who used his bare hands to bring down a puppet knight during his own class selection trial. I smiled. ¡°History really does repeat itself. I walk the same path as the one who inspired me¡­ the great Mo###ch.¡± The flame within me roared. I dashed forward, determined. The boss raised his sword again, wind gathering like a storm. But I was too close now¡ªtoo tight for him to fully swing. I slammed my fist into his gut. ¡°This battle¡¯s going to be a lot less tiring now,¡± I muttered, grinning. Each hit drained a little more of his health. My movements grew sharper. Faster. I was evolving¡ªright in the middle of the fight. __ Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 2) Passive N/A N/A 76% Effect: Accuracy Boost: +7% hit chance with all weapons Damage Boost: +12% Attack Speed Boost: +7% Weapon Proficiency: One-Handed Sword: D (41%) Hand-to-Hand Combat: E (08%) __ My fists glowed faintly as the system acknowledged my shift in combat style. I threw an uppercut. The boss¡¯s skull jerked back as he stumbled away. ¡°You~~~ I won¡¯t let you win again! I can¡¯t let the evil being who killed my lord and comrades get away! RAHHHHHH¡ª!!¡± He roared and raised his sword. ¡°EVEN IF I DIE HERE AGAIN¡­ I¡¯LL TAKE YOU WITH ME!¡± A chill crept down my spine. I could feel it¡ªthat skill was . sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "!" The wind twisted unnaturally as his sword shimmered with condensed elemental energy. One swing, and I¡¯d be cut clean through. The wind blade howled through the air toward me. I had seconds. My brain went into overdrive. Every skill. Every trick. Every lesson. There¡ª! ¡°Yes¡­ it work.¡± I sprinted forward. Toward him. The boss sneered. ¡°So you¡¯ve chosen a suicidal end? Then die in shame!¡± The Tempest Severance slashed forward¡ª And just as it reached me¡­ my body shattered into dust. The raging wind continued on, crashing into the far wall, leaving nothing behind. No blood. No body. Nothing. The boss froze. His eyes searched the space where I once stood. ¡°Impossible¡­¡± Outside the Dungeon ¡ª Moments Earlier The CGA staff monitoring the test dungeon observed the monitors in silence¡ªuntil one of them jolted upright. ¡°Sir, look! Something¡¯s wrong with the readings!¡± The supervising officer rushed over. The mana radiation from the dungeon was surging wildly. ¡°Damn¡­ that kid really does have the worst luck. To have something go wrong during the final phase¡­¡± His voice trailed off. Then¡ªa voice interrupted from behind. ¡°What will be decided by fate, Mr. Field Agent?¡± The two agents turned¡ªand immediately froze. This wasn¡¯t just another staff member. This wasn¡¯t even someone ordinary. Standing before them was¡ª ¡ªTo be continued. Chapter 110: Duel of Bones and Tempest [3] [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, Test Dungeon "What will be decided by fate, Mr. Field Agent?" The voice came out of nowhere, sharp yet composed. Both officers turned around instantly¡ªonly to freeze in shock. Standing before them was not just anyone. It was the branch manager herself. "Miss Lilia?! What are you doing here?" the field agent asked, blinking rapidly. "Weren¡¯t you supposed to head to the main branch for today¡¯s high-level meeting?" Lilia simply nodded and began walking toward the dungeon gate. "I am," she said. "But I came to witness something first. A certain young hunter who thought it wise to challenge the boss alone. Even if he''s only a -rank Necromancer, he dared to send in his summons to raid the dungeon solo." Her eyes flickered with interest. ¡°I want to see if he can truly pull it off... or if arrogance has already claimed him.¡± She approached the junior officer monitoring the mana radiation levels. "Hmm... seems like the same anomaly is happening again. Just like last time," she muttered. ¡°Well, good. If he survives, he may still become a proper hunter with that class. Though... if he ends up losing limbs like the last one, his potential will be capped.¡± ¡°But if he clears it¡­¡± Her lips curled into a faint smile. ¡°Then a new rising star might just be born. And unless someone¡¯s a genius or, worse, a monster¡­ I doubt they¡¯ll be able to match him.¡± The field agent followed her gaze toward the gate¡ªsuddenly more eager than ever to see the outcome. Inside the dungeon... A mountain cave. Still, silent, and steeped in dread. The boss stood within its rocky interior¡ªhis skeletal frame trembling, brittle from prolonged corruption. ¡°Hah... Hahhh¡­ Looks like he perished,¡± the boss muttered, bones creaking. ¡°One less evil in this world. But I can¡¯t stay here long... or I¡¯ll become a puppet to those monsters.¡± The flickering flames in his eye sockets dimmed, but just as he turned to leave¡ª "Oi, where the hell do you think you''re going, you brainless bas*ard?!" The voice echoed from behind him like thunder. His skull twisted violently toward the sound, the flickers in his sockets igniting in disbelief. "You thought I died from that? Hell no," I growled, stepping into view. My armor was cracked, a thin slash marring my chestplate, but I was alive. ¡°I don¡¯t die from something that weak. And especially not from .¡± "You¡ªhow is this possible?! Why won¡¯t you just DIE?!" The boss screamed as he charged me again, the desperation in his voice nearly rabid. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. I didn¡¯t back down. Instead, I shifted into a lower stance, locking onto his movements. The moment he swung¡ªbam!¡ªmy punch landed squarely on his chest. He flew back, crashing into the stone wall. Without hesitation, I dashed forward again. His sword had slipped from his hand while he was still reeling. Before he could recover, I tackled him to the ground and mounted him, pinning his arms with my legs. Then, I punched. Again. And again. And again. Cracks spread across his skull as his HP dropped like a waterfall. "N-NO! I CAN''T DIE HERE! NOT TO SOMEONE LIKE YO¡ª" "Shut up." I interrupted him mid-rant. "I don¡¯t know who you think I am, but I¡¯m no evil being. I''m not some cult¡¯s pawn, and I sure as hell don¡¯t worship some creepy god. I believe in myself. That¡¯s it. And I don¡¯t know what you¡¯ve been through, but if I want to clear this dungeon... I have to defeat you.¡± I let my foot off his mouth. The flames in his eye sockets dimmed slightly, then flickered with uncertainty. ¡°You... you¡¯re telling the truth?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°You¡¯re not one of ?¡± ¡°I am not. Even the skeletons I use are mine¡ªmy own summons. They''re not victims or cursed souls.¡± A long silence. Then, in a voice barely audible, he muttered: ¡°Then¡­ end me. Please. Before I lose what¡¯s left of my mind. I don¡¯t want to become like . Don¡¯t let my corpse become a puppet. I don¡¯t want to serve anyone ever again.¡± I didn¡¯t fully understand his pain. But I understood enough. I nodded solemnly and pulled out my blade. With a precise slash, I ended it. The flame in his skull dimmed to nothing. And I? I dropped down on the rocky floor, breathing heavily. ¡°Haaa... I really thought I was dead this time.¡± I looked at the boss¡¯s remains and murmured to myself. ¡°The way this fight started like a proper duel, turned into a thug-style beatdown, and then ended with an emotional snap? Man... that was a rollercoaster. Short distance, intense ride.¡± But then¡ª ¡°Kid. Aren¡¯t you thinking a little too hard right now?¡± The voice behind me wasn¡¯t one I expected to hear. I flinched hard. No, hard. My heart jumped, and I instinctively reached for my weapon. That voice... That voice was burned into my memory. When I turned around and saw who it was¡ªmy eyes nearly popped out of my head. I couldn¡¯t stop myself. "What the heeeelll~~~~~~~?!" I shouted. To be continued... Who was the mysterious person who spoke to Evan in the seemingly empty dungeon? Friend or foe? And what kind of presence could make someone like him react that way? Want to find out more? Add the novel to your library and be the first to read the next explosive chapter! Chapter 111: The Knight’s Final Request [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country ¨C Test Dungeon "Kid, aren¡¯t you thinking too much right now?" A voice echoed behind me, making me flinch instinctively. I recognized it instantly. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn¡¯t forget that voice¡ªeven after leaving the dungeon. As I turned around, my eyes widened to the point of nearly popping out of their sockets. "What the heeeelll~~~~~~~!" Standing in front of me was someone who looked eerily similar to the dungeon boss¡ªexcept... human. His armor, his sword¡ªeverything was identical to the skeletal knight whose body lay cold and lifeless on the ground. Without hesitation, I grabbed my sword from beside me and prepared for a battle that hadn¡¯t even started yet. "Whoa there! Easy, kid!" He raised his hands, a smirk forming on his face. "I¡¯m not here to fight. If I wanted to kill you, I could¡¯ve done it like ." He raised his transparent sword¡ªnow glowing with pure Wind energy. Even from a distance, I could feel the pressure from it. My instincts screamed at me: one touch from that thing, and I¡¯m dead. He slashed. A gleaming arc of wind shot toward the mountain above us¡ªand in the very next second, the entire mountain summit was gone. No debris. No dust. Just... erased from existence. My jaw hung open as my eyeballs nearly followed the mountain into oblivion. I knew immediately¡ªI couldn¡¯t win against him. Not now. Not even close. Trying to stall, I glanced around, hoping for the familiar system message that marked dungeon completion. Nothing appeared. "Still waiting for the dungeon-clear notification, huh?" he asked, casually dragging his sword along the ground. "Don¡¯t bother. It won¡¯t appear unless I let it." Only now did I get a clear look at him. The cave¡¯s ceiling had been blasted away, allowing sunlight to pour down. And with that light came the truth: he wasn¡¯t alive. The man standing before me was transparent¡ªhis body glowing faintly. A soul. The skeletal corpse behind him remained unmoving. This guy¡­ he was the lingering will of the boss I¡¯d just defeated. "Listen, kid. I¡¯m not here to hurt you. I only came to speak." His tone was calm, but I didn¡¯t answer. I kept a poker face, pretending I couldn¡¯t see him. "Hmm. Maybe I really do need to kill you," he said, raising his ethereal blade. "W-Wait! I¡¯m listening! Don¡¯t attack!" I shouted, stepping back. He chuckled. "Good. Like I said, I won¡¯t harm you. I can¡¯t. I¡¯m just a soul now. But before I disappear, I want to tell you something... and maybe offer a little apology gift for what I did back there." Gift? My mood perked up slightly. "What kind of gift? C¡¯mon, hand it over." He raised a brow. "Impatient, aren¡¯t we? I give you the gift... after you promise to help me." "...Help you?" My curiosity was officially piqued. "What kind of help?" He gave a slow nod and began his tale. "I was once a knight who served the Baron of an Empire. Twelve years of loyalty. I was proud... until everything fell apart. One day, as we were returning from a visit to the viscount¡¯s estate, an evil god worshipper ambushed us. He claimed to be a successor of divine power. Our guards fell one by one. I was the last one standing, defending my lord. Then... he used dark arts. My fallen comrades rose again¡ªmindless puppets under his control. They slaughtered our lord¡¯s wife and son. My lord and I fought to the end, trying to save his daughter, but... it was hopeless. The bastard used the girl to force our surrender. And then, he murdered my lord and raised too. He wanted the daughter for her ¡®special constitution¡¯¡ªsomething that would grant him favor from his god. I escaped with her, barely alive. But cursed energy remained within us. He sent countless minions to hunt us down. Eventually, I was mortally wounded and had to hide in this cave. I died here, forgotten." He finished with a sigh, expecting tears or sympathy. Instead, I gave him a blank stare. "...So, what do you want me to do exactly?" I asked. "No offense, but I¡¯m a Tier 0 weakling. You were way stronger and still failed. Also, I¡¯m not even from your world. I won¡¯t jump into a death mission without a reason." "I-I can give you treasure!" he said, panic rising in his voice. "And how? You¡¯re dead. Plus, we¡¯re locked in this dungeon. Can¡¯t leave unless the system allows it." I crossed my arms. "B-B-But..." "Huh? What?" "...Then I won¡¯t let you leave this dungeon ever!" he suddenly shouted, like a moody child throwing a tantrum. "You ?" "You heard me. This place won¡¯t collapse until I fade completely. You beat my ego form, but unless my soul disappears... you¡¯re stuck here." "...So I don¡¯t have a choice?" S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He grinned like a kid who got his way. I sighed. "Fine. I¡¯ll help you. But I¡¯m not going to search the world for this guy. Give me something to help me find him¡ªor better, teleport to him." "Of course! I was going to give you that anyway!" he said cheerfully, then waved his hand. A faint glimmer appeared in the air. An old, cracked ring floated toward me. [Item Acquired: Broken Ring of Loyalty] Type: N/A Grade: N/A Requirement: Tier 2 (Low) Attributes: +15% Wind Element Damage () Description: The personal ring of a loyal knight. It houses a lingering trace of his soul and contains a cursed coordinate-binding ability. Once Evan reaches Tier 2, it can be used to locate the evil being who ended the knight¡¯s life. I examined the ring briefly before placing it into my inventory. "Alright, deal¡¯s a deal. I¡¯ll help you. Now¡ªgift?" He nodded, extending his flickering hand. I reached out. As our hands touched, a strange surge of energy jolted through my body. Sparks of unfamiliar power coursed through my veins, and system notifications began to flood my vision. The knight smiled faintly, his form beginning to fade. "I hope you like my gift. And please... avenge me, warrior who bested my ego." With those final words, his soul scattered like dust in the wind. I stood there in silence, watching the last remnants of his will disappear. "...Yeah. I¡¯ll make it count. I won¡¯t let your sacrifice go to waste." Turning back to the boss¡¯s body, I walked forward. After all, I still had to claim my loot... and maybe get from this unexpected bonus. Because I¡¯m generous like that. Or maybe just the King of Greedy People. ¨C To be continued ¨C Chapter 112: The Phantom Gales Gift [14th Everdusk 2103], CGA Branch, Dyna Crest country, Test Dungeon. "I will not let your sacrifice be in vain. I will even use your body to become strong, defeat your enemies, and bring you peace," I said, my voice filled with determination, a big smile stretching across my face. (^ U ^) As I was about to activate my power on the boss''s body, a sudden notification from the dungeon appeared before my eyes. [You have defeated the Boss unit, Stormblade Skeleton Knight. You have met all the requirements to clear the dungeon.] [You have defeated a Lv.29 Stormblade Skeleton Knight. You have gained 8,530 EXP. (+400% for higher-level monster.)] [9,505/1,000 EXP] [You have leveled up to Lv.20 (6^)] [720/2,200 EXP] [You have gained 60 unassigned points.] [] [Ding! It has been detected that the host has some power coursing through his body. A skill is being forcibly awakened within your body, Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros.] __ <<>> Skill: Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros (Tier 0, Lv. 10) ---> Type: Passive/Active Mana Cost: N/A (Passive) / 50 MP (Active) Cooldown: 30 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description -> Binds the undead wind-elemental steed, Zephoros, the Phantom Gale, to the user as a loyal mount. Zephoros'' strength grows alongside its master, never falling behind by more than 10 levels. Effects -> Passive: Level Synchronization: Zephoros'' level is always below 10 levels of the master. Wind Affinity: +10% movement speed when mounted. Spectral Resilience: 12% resistance to physical damage. Active: Phantom Dash (30s Cooldown): Zephoros becomes intangible for 1 second, allowing it and the rider to phase through attacks and terrain while gaining +50% movement speed. Stats (Lv. 10): Health: 80% of the caster''s max health. Speed: 150% of the caster''s speed. Defense: 70% of the caster''s defense. Growth Potential: Gains new abilities and enhancements as the user levels up. Can evolve into a higher undead form with stronger abilities. __ [You''ve cleared the dungeon. It will collapse in thirty minutes when the portal appears.] I quickly examined the skill and was pleased to find something comparable to what protagonists acquire on their journeys. "I may have received the opportunity of Lucas by chance, but I am not afraid, as my opponent is not a regressor like me," I said, my resolve hardening. Without further consideration, I walked toward the boss''s body lying before me. "Hmmm, maybe I can get those items," I muttered, as I began to remove the armor and sword from the boss''s body. After a few minutes, I paused and looked at the items. "Well, they are indeed good items, but not my type," I said, scanning the descriptions of the set. __ <<>> A once-proud Tier 1, Vireth Rank armor set and sword, now degraded over time, yet still retaining a fraction of its former power. Forged with enchanted steel and imbued with lingering wind essence, this set enhances agility and speed while offering decent protection. Armor:Zephyrwind Steel Plate (Tier 0, Erith Rank) --> Type: Full-body Heavy Armor Durability: 900/900 Weight: Moderate Defense: 65 Wind Affinity: Low Description -> A steel-plated armor set forged with wind-aligned runes. Though it has degraded from its original Vireth Rank, it still grants the wearer enhanced agility uncommon in heavy armor. The lingering wind essence reduces weight while offering decent protection. Effects -> Gale Step: Reduces armor weight impact, increasing movement speed by 10%. Windflow Guard: Incoming projectile attacks are slightly redirected, reducing ranged damage by 5%. Aerodynamic Defense: Wind energy reinforces the armor, increasing agility and evasion slightly. Weapon:Stormrend (Tier 0, Erith Rank) --> Type: One-Handed Sword Durability: 750/750 Weight: Light Attack Power: 85 Wind Affinity: Moderate Description -> A finely crafted steel sword that once resonated with storm energy but has since weakened. Though no longer at its peak, it still retains its wind-aligned properties, allowing for swift and precise strikes. Effects -> Wind Edge: Increases attack speed by 10%. Gust Slash: Normal slashes generate slight wind pressure, extending attack reach slightly. Whispering Blade: The sword hums with the wind, making it easier to control in combat. The appearance and power of these items were truly overwhelming, and they could serve me well for a few months. But, they weren¡¯t my style. I wasn¡¯t a wind-element fighter, and I wasn¡¯t a fan of full armor. Although protective, it was far too limiting in combat for me. "Well, I can always sell these in CGA," I muttered, considering my options. "Let me get the stats first." I raised my hand and activated my talent. "Plunder." A moment later, energy erupted from within me, surrounding the boss''s body like a shell. I watched as the energy seeped through the gaps, entering the body to begin its work. [] S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Huh, what the hell is this massive upgrade? Does this mean I can randomly acquire the skill of beings, or are there set effects?" I said, feeling a surge of strength as the new stats integrated into my body. But I quickly realized that, being undead, there was no stamina stat in its body. I didn¡¯t waste much time and immediately checked the description of the new passive skill. Passive skills were far more useful in battle, after all, and some of my other skills had even upgraded during the battle, making the fight easier than expected. <<>> Skill:Blade of the Tempest (Lv. 1) --> Type: Passive Tier: 0 Proficiency: 0% Description -> Each melee attack carries the force of the wind, granting a chance to release a cutting wind blade that slashes enemies from a distance. The wind blade moves swiftly, dealing additional damage. Effects -> Activation Chance: 5% per melee attack. Wind Blade Range: 3 meters. Wind Blade Damage: 30% of weapon''s base attack power. Skill:Necrotic Aura (Lv. 2) --> Type: Passive Skill Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 4% Description -> Your presence radiates a growing aura of death, further empowering undead allies and slightly draining the vitality of living beings within range. Effects -> Undead Empowerment: Increases the attack and defense of undead under your control by 6%. Living Debilitation: Living creatures within a 5.5-meter radius experience a minor reduction in stamina recovery (-3%). Skill:Magical Focus (Lv. 2) --> Type: Passive Skill Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 1% Description -> Your refined concentration enhances spellcasting further, increasing accuracy and reducing casting time. Effects -> Spell Precision: +6% accuracy with all spells. Skill:Basic Battle Instinct (Lv. 2) --> Type: Passive Skill Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 9% Description -> Your combat awareness sharpens, further enhancing your reaction speed and ability to anticipate enemy movements. Effects -> Reaction Speed: +6% increased reaction speed to attacks. Threat Awareness: +6% chance to avoid basic attacks. I was pleased to see my skills improving over time. These improvements would be essential for the challenges ahead. With the portal ready to take me back to the CGA Branch and receive my test results, I prepared to leave. I had a feeling my results might surprise a few people. "Well, let''s set off, and thank you for everything, sir," I said, bowing slightly as I paid my respects to the grave I had made for the boss knight. The inscription read, "THE GRAVE OF A LOYAL KNIGHT." With that, I stepped into the portal, leaving the knight¡¯s soul to rest in peace until I could fulfill my promise and defeat his enemies. -- To be continued -- Chapter 113: Aftermath of the Dungeon [14th Everdusk, 2103] ¨C CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country In front of the dungeon Evan had just raided, three people stood, faces tense and eyes fixed on the portal. The first was Lilia, calm in appearance but barely hiding the storm of anxiety brewing inside her. The second was the Junior Officer, nervously monitoring the mana-reading machine. The third was the Field Agent, drenched in cold sweat, his legs stiff as he regretted ever suggesting this dungeon test. The tension in the air was stifling. Lilia¡¯s gaze alone was enough to make the agent feel like he''d be buried on the spot. ¡°Ma¡¯am, the mana readings are returning to normal,¡± the junior officer finally reported. Lilia and the agent immediately rushed toward the portal, eyes straining to catch a glimpse of any silhouette. But... nothing. A long moment of silence followed. Was he dead? Or just taking his time? "If that kid died in there, Agent, I swear you''ll be behind bars by sunset," Lilia warned, her voice ice-cold. The agent gulped, eyes locked onto the portal, as if sheer willpower could bring Evan out alive. Minutes passed. The air grew heavier. Then¡ª The portal fluctuated. A figure slowly came into view. Sword resting on his shoulder, Evan stepped out, calm, composed, alive¡ªand very much carrying the boss''s knight sword like a trophy. The first to react was the agent, nearly collapsing in relief. Lilia, on the other hand, let out a soft exhale¡ªthankful that the boy hadn¡¯t died in what was supposed to be an unstable dungeon. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Kid! Thank you for coming out!¡± the field agent ran up and gave Evan a bone-crushing hug, face nearly in tears. ¡°Oi, what the hell? What are you doing?! Get off me¡ªI don¡¯t swing that way.¡± ¡°N-No! Neither do I!¡± the agent pulled back, waving his arms in panic. ¡°Sure, sir. Even if you do, we¡¯re not demoting you for it,¡± the junior officer chimed in, smirking as he clapped the agent¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Shut it! You¡¯re doing ten raids with me as punishment for that comment!¡± the agent shouted, and the officer bolted away. Lilia chuckled softly at the scene, her eyes now relaxed as she looked at Evan, who himself let out a laugh. ¡°So, Evan, right?¡± she said, stepping forward. ¡°I¡¯m Lilia, as you may know. I wanted to ask about what happened inside the dungeon. For investigation purposes, I also need the estimated level of the boss¡ª¡± RUMBLE¡ª The dungeon behind Evan suddenly began to shake. Before anyone could react, Evan was yanked back behind a pillar¡ª ¡ªby Lilia, who held him protectively in her arms, eyes locked on the now-fluctuating dungeon gate. The structure started to crack, energy surging wildly before the entire thing exploded, releasing a storm of mana into the room. Lilia raised her hand instinctively. BOOM! A shimmering shield formed around the two of them just in time as a torrent of destructive mana slammed into it. The underground space trembled violently, alarms began to wail, and footsteps echoed as agents and hunters scrambled. Evan was too stunned to move. The sheer pressure of that mana¡­ If Lilia hadn¡¯t acted¡­ He would¡¯ve been dead. Moments later, the tremors stopped. Lilia dropped her shield, panting heavily, sweat trailing down her temple. ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± Evan said sincerely, passing her his water bottle. Before she could respond, a squad of CGA officers burst in. ¡°Manager! Are you alright?¡± It was Darian, eyes wide as he rushed toward her, seeing her in such a state. ¡°What happened here? Was there a monster? A rogue hunter?¡± His gaze quickly shifted to Evan¡ªstanding beside her, holding the bottle, looking way too calm for a kid who just survived a dungeon explosion. ¡°You¡ªwho are you?! Why are you in an underground zone restricted to Tier 1 hunters?!¡± Before Evan could speak, Lilia raised a hand and interrupted. ¡°Ahem~! Everyone, relax. There was a minor malfunction during a research experiment. It caused the explosion, nothing else. Please return to your posts.¡± She gave Darian a meaningful look. ¡°Darian, stay. We¡¯ll debrief this young hunter.¡± With a nod, Darian glanced once more at Evan before exiting with the rest of the group. Once they were alone, Lilia turned toward Evan, her expression serious. ¡°Now then, Evan. Come with me. You¡¯re going to explain everything that happened in there. If you lie to me¡ªeven once¡ªyou won''t live to see tomorrow''s sunrise. Got it?¡± ¡°¡­Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± Evan nodded like a good little soldier and walked beside her. He couldn¡¯t help but glance back at the crater¡ªthe remnants of the dungeon gate now completely gone, replaced by a ten-meter-wide corroded pit. ¡®So that¡¯s what he meant by it being the last time he fought¡­¡¯ The boss had left behind more than just a memory. ¡°So, where are we going now, ma¡¯am?¡± he asked, trying to sound casual. She looked back with a small smile that made the hairs on his neck stand up. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry~ Just a simple interrogation. Nothing to be scared of. Now come along.¡± ¡°¡­O-Okay¡­¡± To be continued... Chapter 114: The Lie Beneath the Mask The room was bare save for one table and three chairs. The thick, rune-etched walls hummed faintly, sealed by enchantments that ensured sound wouldn¡¯t escape. A fortress of privacy. Lilia sat with her legs crossed, reviewing documents. Darian lounged beside her, arms folded. I sat across from them¡ªcalm, composed¡­ masked. ¡°So, Evan. Level 20 already?¡± Lilia started, eyes scanning the papers. ¡°That¡¯s impressive for a D-rank hunter. You even passed the solo hunting exam¡ªalone. No support, no background. Yet you defeated a boss several levels above yours.¡± She tapped the edge of the document, her gaze sharp. ¡°There¡¯s even suspicion¡­ that you hold more than one class.¡± I didn¡¯t respond, didn¡¯t flinch. Behind the mask, I kept my expression neutral. ¡°Wait,¡± Darian said, narrowing his eyes as if something clicked. ¡°I¡¯ve seen this boy before. Weren¡¯t you the one from that academy? First awakened as a Magic Swordsman¡­ and then switched to a Necromancer?¡± I gave a simple nod. ¡°Yes, sir. I was about to awaken as a Magic Swordsman, but¡­ due to unforeseen circumstances, I ended up awakening as a Necromancer. I still regret the change.¡± Darian just nodded, saying nothing more. Lilia leaned forward, setting the documents down. ¡°We¡¯ll verify that later. For now, tell us what happened inside that collapsing dungeon.¡± sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I believe I now understand the reason behind the dungeon collapse,¡± I said. I was telling the truth¡ªpartially. So, I began weaving the tale. Not the full truth, but a plausible story: I was a summoner-type Necromancer, commanding skeletal warriors. When I encountered the dungeon boss inside a mountain cave, it flew into a rage after seeing my undead minions. Its level surged from 27 to 29. "A level gap of 15, huh¡­" Darian murmured, visibly surprised. I continued, explaining how the boss summoned a skeletal horse, how I used my summons to tactically take down the beast¡ªfirst the mount, then the master. I told them how I used spells while my skeletons acted as shields. Their expressions turned more and more shocked as I spoke. I concluded the tale by placing the two items I obtained on the table¡ªa weapon and armor from the boss. Both had degraded from Tier 1 to Tier 0. They inspected them carefully, whispering between themselves. Darian raised a brow. ¡°So¡­ is that everything?¡± ¡°No, sir. One more thing.¡± I leaned in slightly. ¡°When the boss died, he said he mistook me for someone else. He¡­ apologized. Then upgraded my summoning skill into something unique¡ªnon-tradable. I couldn¡¯t sell it even if I wanted to.¡± They were curious, so I demonstrated. [Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros] A shadow coiled from beneath my feet. A string of darkness rose, forming into the skeletal silhouette of a horse. Slowly, that bone frame was swallowed by my shadow, wrapping it in obsidian flesh. A living steed of gloom, complete with saddle and reins. ¡°A growth-type summon?¡± Darian leaned in. ¡°Hmm, not bad. Downside is, its stats are bound to yours. I doubt it¡¯ll grow too muc¡ªOW!¡± He winced as Lilia nudged him sharply. ¡°Evan,¡± she continued, ¡°why did the dungeon collapse after your arrival?¡± I had been waiting for this. ¡°I think¡­ the condition for the dungeon to collapse was fulfilled. After defeating the boss in its enraged form, a hidden message appeared. The system said the dungeon had been ¡®cleansed¡¯ and the reward was my summon upgrade.¡± They both went silent for a moment. I raised a question of my own. ¡°Also, ma¡¯am, do you know the class of the person involved in the earlier accident?¡± Darian flipped through some files. ¡°Yes¡­ a Curse Doll Mancer. A rare class that manipulates monsters by turning them into dolls.¡± ¡°Ahh¡­ that explains it,¡± Lilia muttered. ¡°The boss must¡¯ve developed hostility toward death-type summoners due to that class.¡± I nodded¡ªpuzzle solved. Still, they needed verification. ¡°To confirm this officially, we¡¯ll use an artifact,¡± Darian said, pulling out a glowing orb. My eyes narrowed slightly. A Lie-Detector Orb. ¡°Place your hand on it,¡± Lilia instructed. ¡°It will synchronize with your mana.¡± I complied. Mana resonated from the orb into my hand, a pulsing harmony of energy. ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± Darian said, grinning playfully. ¡°First question: Are you human?¡± Lilia gave him a death stare. ¡°What? Just testing,¡± he mumbled. Lilia rolled her eyes and took over. ¡°Was everything you told us true?¡± ¡°Yes. I told you the truth.¡± ¡®Just¡­ not all of it.¡¯ ¡°Did you receive the skill upgrade from the boss?¡± ¡°Yes. I did.¡± ¡®From his lingering soul.¡¯ ¡°Was the dungeon collapse part of your plan? Are you affiliated with any guild?¡± ¡°No ma¡¯am. I didn¡¯t know it would collapse, and I¡¯m unaffiliated.¡± Lilia nodded, satisfied. Then Darian interrupted. ¡°Wait, Manager. I want to ask just one final question.¡± Lilia nodded. He leaned forward, gaze sharp. ¡°Evan. Do you¡­ have another class? Magic Swordsman, specifically?¡± Silence. The air chilled for a second. The tension twisted in the room. But I was prepared. ¡°No, sir. As I¡¯ve said before, I don¡¯t hold the Magic Swordsman class. If I did, I wouldn¡¯t have escaped Miss Lilia¡¯s appraisal. The orb would¡¯ve caught me.¡± He looked at the orb. It pulsed¡ªtruth confirmed. Lilia sighed, turning to him. ¡°I told you. He only has one class. Stop trying to rope him into the Association.¡± ¡°But ma¡¯am, I¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough. We have a meeting to attend. Go handle the rest.¡± Darian left reluctantly, giving me one last suspicious glance. ¡°Evan,¡± Lilia said. ¡°Go to the main desk and get your ID upgraded. I¡¯ve already informed them. Also¡­ remember this: ¡± I nodded and left the room. As I walked, I didn¡¯t know Lilia stood there, staring at the empty space. Murmuring to herself. ¡°Six classes¡­ no. That¡¯s impossible. No one in this city has such a thing. Even two are rare.¡± She recalled the Status she saw earlier¡ªa fleeting glimpse while scanning the class for registry. [STATUS: Evan Ravencall] Human 18 ????? ?????? Tier 0 20 [720/2200] Necromancer Apprentice (D), Mage (?), Weapon Master (?), Blacksmith (?) [??????], Alchemist (?) [??????], Rune Enchanter (?!) [??????] P#$#$^(?), I#$^% #^$^#^%^$^$ & @%#$#^$%^ (?) [!], Su#^%*%$ #$^#&%& (?), Tran$@@^#^&&#$ #@%% (?) [Locked], Repl%@$^ %& @$% #######(?) [Locked] [STATUS: Just Now] Human 18 None Tier 0 20 Necromancer Apprentice (D) None ¡°A glitch¡­ or a facade? But¡­ such an artifact to hide this level of information? It¡¯s not something available in this city.¡± She shook her head and walked away, unaware she had just touched the edge of something far greater than she imagined. Even I, Evan Ravencall, didn¡¯t realize her fleeting glimpse might one day change everything. To be continued... Author¡¯s Note: Is this connection between Lilia and Evan just a fleeting encounter? Or¡­ the seed of something far greater? Maybe it¡¯s a thread tied to fate¡ªor simply a trick of the author¡¯s hand. What do think? Let your imagination run wild. ???????????? Chapter 115: Solo Raid Permit [14th Everdusk, 2103] ¨C CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City At the heart of the ground floor inside the Ceruleth Global Association building, a unique desk sat at the center¡ªseparate from the regular inquiry counters. Unlike the others, this one was strictly reserved for Tier 2 hunters and above. Despite being a mere Tier 0 hunter, I¡ªEvan¡ªwalked straight up to that desk without hesitation. I had my reasons. Lilia had personally instructed me to get my Hunter ID updated. Two attendants, a man and a woman, were busy at the desk. As I stopped before them, I tapped gently to draw their attention. "Hello sir, how may I... Oh. Tier 0?" The woman raised her brows. "Sir, please head to the general inquiry desk. This counter isn''t for your current rank." She returned to her work¡ªuntil she noticed I wasn''t moving. "Sir, like I said, we don''t handle¡ª" "Apologies," I cut in, calm but firm. "I''m here on Branch Manager Lilia''s instructions. I was sent to modify my Hunter ID with the Solo Raid mark." The woman frowned. "I wasn''t informed of this." "But I was," the male attendant beside her interjected. "Manager Lilia gave Mr. Darian the order, and he passed the task to me. I''ll handle this, so don''t worry." She gave a nod and returned to her tasks. "Sir, may I have your ID?" the man asked. I handed it over wordlessly. "Thank you. Please wait a few minutes while I make the changes." I gave him a slight nod and stepped back, waiting¡­ until my gaze caught a familiar figure in the crowd. A boy with black hair and eyes stood confidently beside a woman clad in light armor, a bow slung over her shoulder. There was some noise around them¡ªa minor commotion stirred by an argument with a third party. Lucas.And the woman with him was Tess. They weren''t alone. Another man stood before them, arguing animatedly. He didn''t look familiar¡ªprobably a regular hunter from this city. I shook my head but decided to inform the attendant before stepping away. "I''ll be back in a few minutes," I told him. He nodded. "No problem, sir. I''ll continue the update." I made my way toward the growing crowd. People were gathered but stayed passive, enjoying the drama without interfering. "Brother, what''s going on?" I asked a guy near the edge of the crowd. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Eh, nothing special. Just some rich kid trying to steal a group member from that black-haired guy''s team. The lady refused, and now they''re arguing." Another clich¨¦ drama, then. As I moved closer, I caught the tail end of the argument. "You think being rich gives you the right to steal someone''s teammate?" Lucas scoffed. His tone was light, but his smirk provoked the other man. It wasn''t hard to guess what happened¡ªthe guy had probably hit on Tess, trying to get her to ditch Lucas for his team. From his flashy Erith-grade gear, he was either rich or a spoiled son of someone powerful. "Yes, I do. This lady''s over level 50, and you''re still stuck under 30. She''s wasting her time with you," the man sneered. "Come with me instead, lady, or you''ll regret it." Tess didn''t even bother with words. She stepped forward and delivered a crisp slap. /SLAP//THUD/ The man collapsed to the floor in front of everyone, stunned. "I already told you I''m not coming with you," Tess said coldly. "Stop bothering me." Without waiting, she turned and walked back toward Lucas, who looked downright entertained by the whole scene. The man picked himself up, eyes darting around as he noticed the amused stares and hushed chuckles. Flushed with shame, he backed away¡ªbut not before muttering: "I''ll make you regret this¡­ just wait." He turned and marched out of the building, followed by his group members, their glares sharp as knives. The crowd dispersed shortly after, murmuring with mild amusement. I decided not to linger. No need to get tangled in that mess. I had my own path to walk¡ªand I wouldn''t delay my growth for petty drama. I muttered to myself. With that, I returned to the desk. "Is my ID ready?" I asked. The male attendant looked up from his terminal, then nodded. "Yes, sir. Your ID has been updated with the Solo Raid authorization." He pulled the ID card from the machine and handed it over. I examined it. A small wolf insignia was now imprinted beneath my photo¡ªa mark denoting clearance for solo dungeon raids. "Perfect. Thank you," I said, pocketing the card and turning toward the dungeon inquiry desks on the left side of the hall. Behind me, I heard the two attendants whispering. "...Senpai, who was that guy?" the woman asked curiously. "Is he some big shot''s son or maybe an S-rank?" The man shook his head. "No, not even close. He''s a D-rank Necromancer. But he passed the Test of Courage¡ªbeat someone at least ten levels above him, maybe more. Over 90% of hunters here can''t even attempt that test, let alone pass it." "...Eh?" she blinked. "Then how did he¡ª?" "He''s just not normal," he said flatly. "If he survives, he''s going to be someone big. Mark my words. If you see him again¡­ it''s worth keeping an eye on him." She gave a quiet nod, returning to her tasks as the man glanced at my retreating back one last time. ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 116: Public Dungeon Registration - Beast Grove [14th Everdusk, 2103] ¡ª CGA Branch, Dyna Crest Country, DC-23 City Inside the massive CGA building, I walked straight toward the line I had visited the last time to request a dungeon raid. Taking my place in the queue, I waited patiently until my eyes landed on a familiar duo¡ªLucas and Tess. They stood in a different line, also waiting for their turn. Lucas looked restless, scanning the area as if searching for someone. I didn¡¯t need to guess who. If he saw me, I¡¯d definitely get pulled into their dungeon run. No thanks. So, I quietly shifted behind the tall guy in front of me, using him as cover. Fortunately, my plan worked. Within a few minutes, Lucas and Tess reached the counter, engaged in a conversation I couldn¡¯t help but overhear as I moved closer. "But sir, why can''t I take the test? You won¡¯t let us enter the same dungeon, and I¡¯m not even allowed to go in alone?" Lucas protested. So he wanted to go solo. Interesting, but not surprising. Even ''chosen ones'' had to follow the rules. "I understand your concerns, sir," the attendant replied politely. "But with the branch manager and vice-manager currently unavailable, there¡¯s no one authorized to oversee a solo test right now. I apologize." Lucas frowned and leaned in. "Then is there other way to take the test or go in alone?" "Let me ask my seniors, sir. Please wait a moment." As the attendant left, another familiar figure walked over¡ªa CGA field agent I had met before. A part of me wondered¡­ If I hadn¡¯t come today, would Lucas have taken my spot and gained a few bonus opportunities? Not that I cared. Even if I did accidentally take it from him, he wouldn¡¯t know. "Oi, move it or step aside. I don¡¯t have all day," grumbled the man behind me. I blinked and looked ahead. The line had cleared, and the attendant was staring at me, waiting. "Ah, sorry bro." I stepped forward. "Hello, sir. How may I help you today?" "I¡¯d like to raid a dungeon." "Of course. Please present your ID and any relevant details." "Here." I handed over my ID. "I''m a Level 20 Necromancer. Solo." He checked my ID, noting the symbol¡ªproof I was certified for solo raids. Once confirmed, he smiled. "All set. Would you like a dungeon or a one?" "Can you explain the difference? I¡¯m still new to this branch." "Certainly, sir. It''s our duty to guide you." He launched into an explanation. "Private dungeons are reserved. You or your team enter alone, and no one else can join. The dungeon only closes once it''s completed. On the other hand, public dungeons allow anyone to enter¡ªno limit to how many teams or solo hunters. The only restriction is level-based."** "And what happens when the boss is defeated?" "Good question. Public dungeons don¡¯t close or refresh immediately. They remain open for two months before resetting. However, they¡¯re rare¡ªless than five are known to exist in this country." "Got it. Then¡­ can you recommend a private dungeon for someone around Level 20 to 30?" He typed on his screen for a moment, then frowned. "Apologies, sir. All private dungeons in that range are booked for a week by various guilds." Figures. "There a public dungeon available though¡ªLevel 20 to 50. The entry fee is 20% of your daily monster corpses." I considered it. ¡®Hmm¡­ waiting a week is not an option. This works.¡¯ "I¡¯ll take it. Please show me the way." He nodded, issued me a printed slip, and handed back my ID. "Proceed to the dungeon area and present this slip to the gate officer for access." "Appreciate the help." I headed toward the designated dungeon zones, where several glowing portals stood. Hunters and full guild teams were entering and exiting nonstop. I scanned the area until I found an official who had just sent off two groups. "Hello, sir. May I help you?" he asked as I handed him the slip. "Yes. I''m here to enter the public dungeon. Solo." He glanced at the paper, then looked behind me. "Where¡¯s your team? This dungeon is public, but it''s still dangerous. You can¡¯t just stroll in alone. I¡¯ll report this mistake to the attendant who authorized it." He tried waving me off, but I calmly took out my ID and pointed at the insignia. "Sir, I¡¯m qualified for solo raids. Please check again." His expression changed instantly. "Oh! Apologies. I thought you were another reckless rookie trying to sneak in alone. Please don¡¯t take offense. Come¡ªI¡¯ll show you the entrance myself." With a grin, I followed him. We walked toward a wide portal where numerous hunters bustled around. Several makeshift stalls had popped up just outside the rift, clearly trying to profit off the constant dungeon traffic. "This is the dungeon, sir. It¡¯s open 24/7. When you exit, report your kills. You¡¯ll need to hand over 20% of the monster bodies. Trying to hide kills will result in a penalty¡ª of your total count." "Understood. But¡­ do you have any dungeon details? Monster types, maybe?" "One moment. Normally we don¡¯t provide that info, but since you¡¯re going solo, we¡¯ll make an exception." He tapped away on his device, then turned the screen toward me. <<< Beast Grove Dungeon (Lv. 20¨C50) >>> Dungeon Type: Accessibility: Open to All A sprawling dungeon filled with wild beasts and untamed monsters. Designed for open-world exploration, the dungeon features diverse enemy types, mini-bosses, and a powerful field boss. Suitable for adventurers ranging from Level 20 to 50. I narrowed my eyes. A field-type, huh? This should be interesting. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡ªTo Be Continued¡ª Chapter 117: Into the Beast Grove [1] <<< Beast Grove Dungeon (Lv. 20¨C50) >>> Dungeon Type: Field Dungeon Access: Open to All This expansive dungeon is a wild, open-world field teeming with feral beasts and fearsome monsters. Spanning a vast stretch of terrain, it¡¯s home to both novice and intermediate-level threats, including unique mini-bosses and a terrifying final boss. Ideal for hunters from Level 20 to 50. << Monsters >> 20¨C30 Charge, Boar Stampede 25¨C35 Antler Strike, Stag Leap 30¨C40 Bear Roar, Bear Slam 35¨C45 Thunderclap, Pack Strike << Mini-Bosses >> 40¨C45 Charge Rampage, Boar Fury Defeat 50+ Forest Boars 45¨C50 Stag Charge, Earthquake Stomp Defeat 50+ Wild Stags 45¨C50 Cave Roar, Ground Shatter Defeat 50+ Cave Bears << Final Boss >> 50 Beast Roar, Fury Slam, Nature¡¯s Wrath Defeat 100 monsters + all mini-bosses The dungeon info glowed on the screen as the CGA officer flipped through tabs and gave Evan a quick glance. Evan took a photo with his phone. ¡°Alright, sir. I¡¯ve got what I need. You¡¯re free to go,¡± he said casually. The officer gave a slight nod and turned away. A few meters ahead, some fellow hunters started chatting with him. ¡°These guys don¡¯t get a moment of rest, huh,¡± Evan muttered, already opening his phone to review the picture he''d taken. "Hmm¡­ If I¡¯m lucky, I should be able to take down at least two mini-bosses before I hit the level cap," he mused. Without further delay, he stepped forward. As he walked through the dungeon gate, it felt like passing through a membrane of warm, squishy gel. When he emerged on the other side, he stood at the edge of a vast forest field. Tents, camps, and temporary stalls dotted the landscape¡ªset up by various guilds and hunting parties. It was buzzing with activity. Among the tents was a familiar emblem¡ª. ''Tch. That¡¯s the guild Kale and Brin belonged to¡­ and the one where the parents of this body used to serve.'' The guild wasn¡¯t particularly remarkable. Their guildmaster was Tier-2, and the rest were a mix of Tier-1s and a few higher-ups. ¡®Not exactly enemies¡­ and the previous owner of this body didn¡¯t want to get involved with them. Neither will I,¡¯ Evan decided and moved along. He stepped deeper into the hunting fields. The tall grass brushed against his knees. Scattered across the terrain were groups of hunters fighting off monsters¡ªmainly Forest Boars. In the outer edges, a few fought against Wild Stags, though those creatures were scarcer this close to the entrance. Boars were the common prey here. ''The stags and bears appear farther in. Probably to avoid crowding the low-level hunters.'' He rubbed his hands together and grinned. "Let¡¯s hunt a few. Hopefully, I¡¯ll get some good meat out of this." But as he scanned the area, he frowned. No boars left. All the ones near the entrance had already been claimed. He roamed a little farther, trying not to draw attention, quietly watching the other hunters. ''They¡¯re handling the monsters decently. No major injuries...'' Just as he relaxed, a body flew past him and crashed nearby with a heavy . ¡°ARGHH¡ª!¡± Blood spilled from the young man¡¯s lips. ''...Or maybe not.'' A massive Forest Boar was pummeling an entire team of four. ''Too high-level for them, or just poor coordination? Maybe newbies from other schools.'' Evan exhaled sharply and cracked his neck. "Let¡¯s find one alone. I should be able to handle it now¡ªespecially if I assign those unallocated stat points I got from the test dungeon." With one last glance to check his surroundings, he brought up his system screen and began pouring in points. _______ {Stats} : 750 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: 3.75/minute = 75*.05) : 750 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 3.75/minute = 75*.05) 85 (13^) 95 (7^) 75 (14^) 75 (7^) 70 (8^) 63 (11^) Unassigned Stats: 00 (-60) 216+20[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2], 112/113 [MAG: INT*1.5] 133+20 [DEF: END+STA*1] __ As he closed the stat panel, his attention shifted to the [Skills] tab. Something was different. New skills had appeared under his Necromancer and Mage classes¡ªbut not the Weapon Master. ''Ah¡­ maybe the rumors were true.'' Hunters could only acquire class skills based on class grade: F-Class ¡ú Max Lv.10 E-Class ¡ú Max Lv.20 D-Class ¡ú Max Lv.30 ¡­ and so on. S-Class got 7 skills. SS had 8 till Level 85. SSS? A full set of 10 till Lv.100. ''So, Weapon Master hit its cap. Mage might be at the limit too. Only Necromancer has room to grow.'' Not a problem. With his Plunder talent, he had workarounds. ''Now, let¡¯s see what these new toys do.'' ___ Skill: Weak Curse (Lv. 1) Type: Active S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cooldown: 10 seconds Mana Cost: 20 MP Proficiency: 0% Description: A basic curse that weakens the target by applying a mild debuff. While not powerful, it can be useful for weakening enemies before engaging in more potent attacks or summoning. The curse lowers the target''s effectiveness in combat for a short time. Effects: Curse of Weakness: Reduces the target''s Strength and Agility by 5% for 10 seconds. Diminished Resistance: Reduces the target''s Defense by 5% for 10 seconds. -- Skill: Spark (Lv. 1) Type: Active Cooldown: 5 seconds Mana Cost: 10 MP Proficiency: 0% Description: A simple electric spell that shoots a small bolt of lightning at a single target. While weak at first, it can be used frequently in combat, providing a steady stream of damage against weaker enemies or distractions during a fight. Effects: Lightning Strike: 30% of the caster''s magic attack. Shock: Has a 10% chance to stun the target for 1 second. ____ Evan cracked a grin and muttered, ¡°Yeah¡­ I can work with this.¡± He took another look at the boar trampling the four-man team and began observing its movement patterns. ''Maybe with the right strategy, I could even take one on.'' ¡ªTo be continued¡ª Chapter 118: Into the Beast Grove [2] & Skill Fragments [14th Everdusk 2103], DC-23 City, Dyna Crest Country, CGA Branch, Beast Grove Fields The Beast Grove field dungeon buzzed with activity as hunters scouted and struck down forest boars, their blades flashing through foliage and fur alike. Among them, unnoticed in the chaos, a lone boar moved with caution¡ªits hooves crunching softly against the grass as it wandered away from the main paths. But while others ignored it, someone else had already locked onto their prey. The boar¡¯s movements slowed, its beady eyes darting from side to side. A chilling premonition settled over it. It stopped. The sound of something stepping on dry grass echoed nearby. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Its head snapped toward the source¡ªonly to find several skeletons, swords drawn, charging toward it. "GRUUAAAA!!" The boar roared and lunged, its tusks smashing into one of the skeletons. The summoned undead was knocked back, but not destroyed. Before the beast could retaliate against another, a small spark of energy struck its flank. [Spark] The boar shrieked. The sound was sharp enough to turn heads across the battlefield. Standing in the distance was Evan, calmly holding his staff. His eyes glinted as he activated another skill. [Weak Curse] Target¡¯s Strength, Agility, and Defense reduced by 5% for a short duration. "Now¡ªcharge!" Evan ordered. The skeletons swarmed the cursed boar, their blades carving through its hide with increased effectiveness. Though the curse would fade quickly, the damage had already been done. Evan observed carefully, but he never had to step in. The boar was subdued without him lifting a finger. "Hah, even this kind of low-effort strategy works¡­ Why get hit when the undead can do the dirty work for me?" Evan grinned, walking toward the fallen beast. A familiar tone echoed in his ears. [You¡¯ve defeated Lv.24 Forest Boar ¨C EXP +340 (Bonus +120)] [Total EXP: 1060 / 2200] [EE Points Gained: +24 | Total: 1268] He glanced around. No one nearby. Good. "Plunder," he whispered, activating his talent. Black energy covered the boar¡¯s corpse. Lines of data streamed in his vision. [Target Detected: 1x Lv.24 Forest Boar] [Gained: +3 STR, +4 AGI, +2 STA | Acquired Skill: Charge] [Incompatible skill detected. Disintegrating¡­] [Skill Fragment Formed: T.F ¨C 1 S.K.] ¡°¡­Huh? What¡¯s this?¡± Evan blinked as a glowing skill fragment icon appeared in his interface. [Skill Fragments ¡ª A mysterious and versatile resource containing traces of skill energy. Even beings of higher realms desire them.] Uses: ¨C : Boosts existing skills. ¨C : Fuses with other fragments or skills to create altered forms. ¨C : Collect enough to forge entirely new abilities. ¨C : Restore broken or forgotten skills. Evan stared in disbelief. "(O_O)... What the hell is this cheat-level talent doing? Isn¡¯t this way too overpowered?" He quickly looked around, checking again to make sure no one was watching. "Note to self¡ªthank the original owner of this talent... " Evan muttered. He opened his inventory space, grabbed the boar¡¯s corpse, and awkwardly forced it inside with a bit of struggle. ¡° Done. A few more like this and I¡¯m heading back home. Some rest and maybe¡­ ¡± he licked his lips at the thought, imagining all the food he could now afford to buy. And with that thought warming his heart, Evan resumed his hunt. Meanwhile... In another area of the field dungeon, two hunters scouted the crowds¡ªLucas and Tess. They were searching for one thing: a solo hunter without a party. While Tess used her detection skill to scan the area, Lucas relied on something far superior. As Tess looked around carefully, Lucas¡¯s eyes glowed faintly. Dozens of profiles floated in his vision¡ªbut most were unimpressive. Until one stood out. ¡°Tess,¡± Lucas spoke firmly. ¡°Found someone. Come on.¡± He pulled her by the wrist and walked straight toward a hunter loitering near the edge of the field¡ªseemingly scanning the crowds, likely also searching for a group. Lucas didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Hey, want to join our party?¡± The hunter turned. And Tess froze. Her eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat as she stared at the person standing in front of them. ¡°¡­You¡­?¡± To be continued¡­ Who is this mysterious hunter Lucas found? Why is Tess so shocked? Is it someone from her past¡­ or someone who shouldn¡¯t be here at all? Chapter 119: Into the Beast Grove [3] — A Masked Encounter [14th Everdusk 2103], DC-23 City, Dyna Crest Country, CGA Branch, Beast Grove Fields. While Lucas was attempting to gather his teammates at the CGA Association, deep inside the dungeon where Evan was hunting, something else was already unfolding. A trio of skeletons cornered a boar, its body trembling as a bone fang protruded from its belly just below the heart. Blood pooled into the dirt as the dying beast made one last, desperate attempt to escape. It charged forward, hoping to break through¡ªbut its effort was futile. A figure stood in its path. The boar, running on sheer will, didn¡¯t stop. But the person calmly raised a black sword, flames flickering along its edge. With a single, clean slash, the sword tore through the boar¡¯s throat. The head flew off, landing a few meters away. The decapitated body stumbled a few more steps before collapsing. ¡°Hah~~ Looks like I can finally take down boars on my own,¡± Evan said with a proud grin, stashing his black flame sword into his inventory. Without wasting a second, he knelt in front of the corpse, activating his talent before anyone else could show up. ¡°Plunder,¡± he said. A familiar energy enveloped the boar. [ ] Skill: Charge (Lv.1 ¡ú Lv.3) Type: Active Mana Cost: 15 MP ¡ú 25 MP Cooldown: 10 sec ¡ú 8 sec Proficiency: 0% Description: A wild boar¡¯s natural dashing strike, now optimized. Allows the user to dash forward with explosive force. Upon impact, the target is knocked back and potentially staggered. Effects: ? Forward Dash: 5m ¡ú 7m ? Impact Force: +5% ¡ú +15% damage ? Stagger Chance: 10% ¡ú 15% ? Momentum Boost: If used after sprinting, gain additional 5% damage (!) ¡°Huh, I¡¯m really going to be insanely overpowered at this rate,¡± Evan smirked, reading the updated skill info. ¡°Didn¡¯t even use it once, and it leveled up. That¡¯s insane.¡± He recalled how the skill had first appeared¡ªhow proficiency increased just by obtaining duplicates. "That guy definitely gave up a lot to create this talent system for me," Evan muttered, marveling at his gains. He checked his stat progress from this hunt alone. ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­ from today¡¯s boars: +18 STR, +17 AGL, +11 STA, +2 INT, +7 END, +5 VIT¡­ Damn. At this pace, I might hit my stat cap before max level.¡± A notification chimed in his system. [You''ve killed Lv.27 Forest Boar. EXP +510 (+50% for Level Gap)] [2,640/2,200 EXP] [Level Up! ¡ú Lv.21(1^)] [440/2400 EXP | 10 Unassigned Stat Points Gained] ¡°Seven levels in a single day? That¡¯s bordering on monstrous,¡± Evan chuckled and opened his skill tab to inspect the recent upgrades. [Skill Progress] ? Lv.3(1^) [02%] ? Lv.3(1^) [12%] ? Lv.3(1^) [32%] ? Lv.3(1^) [03%] ? Lv.4(2^) [05%] ? Lv.2(1^) [16%] ¡°If this keeps up, I¡¯ll have maxed-out skills way before the others,¡± he muttered, scanning the field for more prey¡ªonly to freeze when his eyes caught a familiar figure. Lucas. And beside him, a girl Evan didn¡¯t recognize. ¡°Lucas...? Who the hell is that girl?¡± Evan muttered, narrowing his eyes. ¡°Team partner? Future fianc¨¦e? Probably both.¡± He looked around. No one else nearby. ¡°Wait¡ªare they walking me?¡± Evan tensed. ¡°Sh*t¡­ what do I do?¡± Without hesitation, he summoned his mask, setting it to visible, and adjusted his status info just in case Lucas had a way to peek into it. ¡°Please let this work¡­¡± ¡°Umm~~ Brother, are you hunting here?¡± Lucas asked, stopping a few steps away. The girl behind him remained quiet, her gaze glued to Lucas like a puppy in love. Evan simply nodded. ¡°Oh, okay. Solo hunt, huh? Pretty bold of you. But¡­ why the mask? Only elite hunters wear those, and even then, it¡¯s rare,¡± Lucas said, casually glancing around, eyes scanning for bloodstains. ¡°NOTHING. JUST RESTING. DONE HUNTING,¡± Evan replied in a forced deep voice, trying to disguise himself. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind¡­ wanna join us?¡± Lucas asked, tilting his head. ¡°We¡¯re short one member.¡± ¡°Lucas, are you serious?¡± the girl behind him¡ª¡ªwhispered. ¡°He¡¯s hiding his face. Could be a criminal or a banned hunter.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Ilya. I¡¯ve got an eye for people,¡± Lucas said with a grin. ¡°He¡¯s about our age. Just a solo hunter, nothing more.¡± S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Evan noticed something subtle¡ªLucas¡¯s eyes had changed. A glint¡­ a glow. ¡®Dragon Sight¡­¡¯ Evan¡¯s heart tightened. ¡®An SSS-rank talent, maybe?¡¯ Still, he remained calm. Lucas extended an offer again. ¡°I¡¯m Lucas, a D-rank Battle Mage. This is Ilya, an A-rank Healer with a unique class.¡± Evan hesitated, then replied, ¡°OH, YES. MY NAME IS LIM. D-RANK SWORDSMAN. SORRY, BUT I¡¯VE BEEN HERE FOR A WHILE ALREADY. GOTTA LEAVE. THANKS FOR THE OFFER.¡± Lucas nodded. ¡°Alright. But if you change your mind, contact me.¡± He showed his ID. Evan glanced at it, then turned away. "OKAY. BYE." He walked off, but not before overhearing Ilya¡¯s snide comment. ¡°Tch, what an attitude. Didn¡¯t even note your ID, or share his.¡± ¡°Relax,¡± Lucas replied. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just not the social type. But¡­ his voice¡ªit felt familiar.¡± Ilya pouted but followed Lucas as they headed off. Evan, now a good distance away, glanced back and sighed. ¡°That was close¡­¡± He wasn¡¯t ready yet¡ªnot for Lucas, and definitely not for the girl. ¡°Six boars. That¡¯s enough for today. Meat and money both secured,¡± he said to himself and started heading toward the exit. But before he could take another step, the ground trembled. A thunderous roar echoed across the field. Evan turned around¡ªand froze. ¡°¡­This sh*t is really messing with me.¡± - To be Continued - Chapter 120: Into the Beast Grove – Stag Storm Incident ¡°Is this sh*t for real?¡± Evan¡¯s voice rang out as a thunderous boom tore through the grove, shaking the ground and splintering several thick trees. Just minutes earlier, Lucas and Ilya had ventured deeper into the grove, staying near the outer zone to begin their hunt. Lucas, ever cautious, kept his talent activated to scout for monsters. His eyes soon locked onto a beast grazing peacefully nearby¡ªa Wild Stag, its antlers gleaming beneath filtered sunlight. ¡°Ilya, I¡¯m going after that one. Be on guard, just in case,¡± he said, gripping the hilt of his new sword¡ªspecially delivered by Tess to ensure his safety. His upgraded armor shimmered faintly under his coat. ¡°Got it. I¡¯m ready whenever you need me,¡± Ilya replied with confidence, standing alert as Lucas stepped forward. He launched a [Fireball]¡ªnearly maxed out in level¡ªintending to wound the stag and initiate combat. But just as the fireball sailed through the air, the stag shifted to munch on another patch of grass. The fireball missed... and singed the tip of its tail. The stag let out an enraged bellow, loud enough to shake the nearby canopy. At that moment, something changed. Its body pulsed with a strange reddish glow, as if awakening some dormant power. With a roar filled with fury and pride, the Wild Stag''s strength spiked. Its body grew leaner and denser, speed increasing exponentially as it charged¡ªnot at Lucas¡ªbut in a random direction... directly into a different zone. Lucas''s eyes widened. ¡°Sh*t, that¡¯s the boar zone!¡± The beast barreled ahead, trampling everything in its path. Lucas cursed and turned to Ilya. ¡°Come on! We need to make sure no one gets caught in that charge!¡± Meanwhile¡­ Evan had just finished surveying the boar area and was taking a short walk to scout further when he heard the distant crash of trees falling. The earth trembled slightly beneath his boots. He turned. What he saw made his eyes widen. A furious Wild Stag, glowing unnaturally, was charging straight at him, bloodlust in its eyes. Behind it, Lucas and Ilya were giving chase¡ªfar too late to stop it. ¡°¡­What kind of mess has Lucas created now?¡± Evan muttered, his tone laced with disbelief. ¡°Does trouble follow me every time I see him, or what?¡± Without delay, he reached into his inventory to draw his weapon. But in his rush, he pulled out the heavy longsword he¡¯d looted from a boss¡ªnot the lightweight Ember Fang he was used to. The unfamiliar weight disrupted his balance. The sword dropped slightly¡ªjust as the stag reached him. Evan braced for impact. And then¡ª A sudden wind surged around him. A translucent wind slash burst from the blade. One of Evan¡¯s dormant passive skills¡ªBlade of the Tempest (Lv.1)¡ªactivated instinctively under stress. The wind blade, fueled by Evan¡¯s strength and the stag¡¯s proximity, slammed into the beast¡¯s chest with a sonic crack. Blood sprayed. The stag stumbled mid-charge and crashed into the ground, sliding violently across the dirt. It stopped just a few meters away, its massive body twitching. Evan didn¡¯t hesitate. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ¡°[Charge] ¨C [Power Slash]!¡± He surged forward, slashing through the monster¡¯s exposed throat, finishing it off. Lucas and Ilya froze, arriving just in time to see the aftermath: Evan¡ªmasked and composed¡ªstanding over the fallen stag. He quickly checked his mask. Still on. Without wasting a second, he began storing the stag¡¯s corpse into his inventory, not wanting to attract attention by using his talent publicly. A few nearby hunters ran over, confused. ¡°What just happened? Why was a stag here?¡± one asked Evan. Before Evan could speak, Lucas cut in. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s our fault. We startled it during a hunt, and it just went berserk. Charged right toward here. Lim¡ªuh, he¡ªwas just in the path and managed to take it down.¡± Evan chuckled lightly. ¡°Well, thanks for the assist¡ªI just picked up another monster. Guess your chaos worked in my favor.¡± But just as he was about to leave, Ilya stepped forward, arms crossed and eyes sharp. ¡°Wait! Return that stag. It was our prey. You can¡¯t just claim someone else¡¯s kill!¡± Evan raised an eyebrow. ¡°I killed it. My system even logged the kill notification.¡± [You¡¯ve slain Lv.32 Wild Stag ¨C +860 EXP (+77% Level Bonus)] [EE Gained: 32 | Total Points: 1359] ¡°I saw it fall right in front of you!¡± Ilya snapped. ¡°That means we weakened it first. You just landed the final hit!¡± Around them, murmurs rose. Some hunters began questioning Evan¡¯s actions. Lucas stepped in. ¡°Ilya, stop. We messed up and caused this. Let it go.¡± ¡°No! If we let trash like this steal kills, what¡¯s next?¡± Evan sighed deeply. ¡°Alright. Just to clear up this nonsense and shut down your fake accusations, I¡¯ll pull out the corpse. Let¡¯s all check the damage together, shall we?¡± He summoned the stag from his inventory and laid it before everyone. A high-ranking hunter from a nearby team stepped forward to inspect the corpse. ¡°Three major wounds: a small burn near the tail, a deep gash in the chest, and a killing cut to the neck,¡± the hunter reported. ¡°Based on the direction and depth, the slash and final blow were from the same sword. Burn¡¯s clearly from fire magic.¡± Lucas raised a hand. ¡°That burn¡¯s mine. I missed the first hit¡ªnothing else.¡± Evan stepped forward, expression calm. ¡°Chest slash and killing strike? Those are mine. And I can show the sword, too. Any more doubts?¡± The crowd quieted. Ilya¡¯s smug confidence evaporated. She clenched her fists, looking away as Evan put the beast back into his inventory. ¡°Now then,¡± Evan continued, ¡°I hope there won¡¯t be any rumors circulating about me stealing kills. I don¡¯t have time for petty drama.¡± He turned and began walking away. Lucas chased after him. ¡°Hey, Lim¡ªwait! That was a misunderstanding. Can we talk? Maybe¡­ even become teammates?¡± Evan stopped but didn¡¯t turn. ¡°Lucas, we¡¯ll talk next time. Right now, anything more will just sour things further. You hunt. I¡¯ll go home.¡± Lucas reached out, trying to stop him, but Evan gently broke the hold and walked away without looking back. Ilya followed Lucas, fuming. ¡°Why¡¯d you make me apologize? That guy¡¯s not team material!¡± Lucas shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re wrong. That guy¡¯s something else. A level 21 solo hunter just cleanly took out a level 32 stag. That kind of performance? Only those who pass special branch tests¡ªones where you must beat monsters 10 to 15 levels above in front of a branch manager¡ªcan pull that off.¡± Ilya¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°He¡­ did that?¡± Lucas grinned. ¡°He¡¯s no ordinary hunter. That¡¯s a future Ranker right there.¡± And from a distance, as the trees gently swayed again¡­ The Grove grew silent once more. Chapter 121: Post-Hunt Reflections and Profit [14th Everdusk 2103] ¨C DC-23 City, Dyna Crest Country ¨C CGA Branch, Beast Grove Fields After exiting the Beast Grove Fields, Evan headed toward the place where hunters typically check out and pay their dues. Around him, the area buzzed with activity¡ªdozens of hunters moved from stall to stall, either selling their prey or discussing future hunts. The scent of blood and burnt mana hung in the air. Many of the stalls were manned by butchers¡ªsome freelance, charging hefty fees for their work, while others belonged to guilds offering free corpse processing to their members. It was easy to see why most solo hunters eventually joined a guild: the perks were undeniable. Evan ignored the bustling crowd and walked toward a designated tent bearing flags with the CGA''s insignia¡ªthis was the exit checkpoint, where daily deposits and tolls were handled. "Hello, sir. Do you need assistance?" asked a uniformed officer posted near the entrance. "Yes. I''m exiting the dungeon and here to settle my charges," Evan replied calmly. The officer gave a brief nod and gestured for Evan to follow him. They walked to a secluded inspection booth. "Please eject all items from your inventory so we can verify you''re not transporting any restricted materials or unregistered corpses. Also, allow me to check for any spatial storage," the officer explained. Evan stiffened. ¡®Shit¡­ if I eject everything, the vial and egg will come out too¡­ I can¡¯t have that.¡¯ He kept his voice calm. ¡°Sir, one of the items inside is very fragile¡ªit might break if force-ejected. May I take it out manually before ejecting the rest?¡± The officer raised a brow, then nodded. ¡°That¡¯s acceptable. Remove the item manually, then continue with the rest.¡± Evan hesitated briefly before nodding. He fished around inside his inventory with his mind¡ªbut to his surprise, the vial and egg didn¡¯t respond. He took a deep breath, selected everything else, and ejected it in a flash of light. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He braced for the sound of the vial hitting the ground¡­ but nothing came. "Huh¡­?" He blinked, then glanced at his inventory¡ªand there they were. Still resting inside, untouched. he wondered, but quickly shoved the thought aside. At least they were safe. The officer was already cataloging his haul. ¡°Seven boars and one stag? Not bad. Especially for your first solo hunt,¡± the man commented, arranging the corpses in an orderly row while setting Evan¡¯s weapons and armor aside. "Yes, that¡¯s everything," Evan replied, though his eyes darted one last time to double-check. ¡°Alright, sir. You can pay today¡¯s dungeon fee with either one stag body or one and a half boars. However, as a solo hunter, you¡¯re granted a reduced rate¡ªjust one boar or one stag is enough, and you¡¯ll even get partial returns from the chosen body.¡± Evan thought for a second before replying, ¡°I¡¯ll pay with one boar. I¡¯d like to sell or butcher the rest myself.¡± ¡°Very well,¡± the officer said, setting the payment corpse aside. ¡°You''re free to go.¡± ¡°Actually, can you recommend a decent butcher? Somewhere I can get both money and some meat out of these?¡± The officer nodded and pointed in a direction. ¡°Walk down that road, past the second guild tent. You¡¯ll find . They handle all types.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Evan gave a nod and walked off. ¡ª The shop was busy, with a dozen hunters lining up to offload their catch. "Hello, sir. Welcome to ," a friendly worker greeted him and ushered him to one of the counters. ¡°So, what can we help you with?¡± ¡°I want to sell these,¡± Evan said, placing the bodies beside the counter, ¡°and I¡¯d also like to buy some meat¡ªsame type as these boars.¡± The worker inspected the corpses carefully. ¡°Hmm¡­ seven boars and one stag. We can offer 35,000 CP per boar and 42,000 CP for the stag. The price is a bit low due to the visible injuries¡ªthey affect the yield.¡± Evan glanced around at the other hunters, most of whom seemed satisfied with this place. He nodded. ¡°That works. Please proceed.¡± The man nodded back. ¡°We can¡¯t use your hunted boars for meat sales due to regulations, but we¡¯ve got prepped meat in stock. How much do you want?¡± ¡°About one and a half kilos. Just enough for a meal.¡± ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll get it for you in a moment.¡± As the worker left, Evan walked over to the stag''s body and whispered under his breath. ¡°Plunder.¡± A faint, dark shimmer washed over the beast¡¯s corpse. A system prompt appeared in front of his eyes. Evan¡¯s eyes gleamed. He was about to check the details when the worker returned with a thick slab of neatly packed meat. "One and a half kilos. That''ll be 4,000 CP. Want it deducted from your total?" ¡°Yes. Deduct and proceed with the transfer,¡± Evan said, taking the meat and storing it in his inventory. ¡ª Once outside the dungeon¡¯s barrier, the worker took out his phone. ¡°Please confirm your account details, sir,¡± he asked. Evan gave the info, and within seconds, a soft chime rang out from his device. ========= Total Transferred: 283,000 CP ========= ¡°All clear. Thank you,¡± Evan said. The worker nodded and walked away, leaving Evan staring up at the darkening sky. he thought with a tired sigh. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± ¡ª After a short taxi ride through the glowing streets of DC-23, Evan reached his apartment building. ¡°Sir, this is your stop,¡± the driver said. ¡°Thanks,¡± Evan paid the fare and climbed up to his floor. With heavy limbs, he opened the door, stepped inside, and let gravity do the rest. He collapsed onto the bed¡ªarmor, dust, and all. ¡°Hah¡­ Finally,¡± he muttered into his pillow. The city never slept¡ªdungeons still buzzed with activity, hunters continued their bloody work, and guilds remained open all night. But for Evan Ravencall, the hunt was over. -< To be Continued >- Chapter 122: A Day of Rest and Stats [15th Everdusk, 2103] ¡ª DC-23 City, Dyna Crest Country, Evan¡¯s Apartment The next morning arrived quietly. Evan was still sprawled on his bed, fully clothed from the day before. His phone buzzed with incoming messages, the sound causing his eyelids to twitch as sunlight streamed through the windows and fell on his face. "Ughhh¡­ what time is it?" he muttered groggily. Reaching over, he grabbed his phone and squinted at the screen. Dozens of messages from classmates blinked on the interface, all urging him to join a dungeon run. Even Lucas had tried calling him multiple times. ¡°¡­Why are they trying to wake me up for a hunt¡­?¡± His voice trailed off as his eyes finally landed on the time. It was already afternoon. "...Huh? I thought they were texting me in the morning?" He sighed, tossing the phone aside as he sat up on his bed. His body creaked and cracked from the previous day''s exertions, each movement a subtle reminder of the battles he''d faced. Stretching to relieve the tension, he dragged himself toward the bathroom. Some time later, freshly showered and marginally more awake, Evan returned and checked his phone again. With nothing urgent pending, he headed to the kitchen and took out some meat he''d bought the day before. He wasn¡¯t a chef, but he did his best to whip up a few edible dishes. Nothing fancy¡ªjust simple food, cooked properly and not burnt. After finishing his meal, Evan returned to the bed and sat cross-legged. ¡°¡­Right. My stats.¡± He called out his system screen. ======= <<>> S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. --) Name: Evan Ravencall/Windstone --) Race: Human (100%) --) Age: 18 --) Title: Limit Breaker --) Rank: Tier 0 --) Level: 21 [1300/2,400] --) Class: Necromancer Apprentice(D) | Mage (E) | Weapon Master (F) | Blacksmith (B)[Locked] | Alchemist (S)[Locked] | Rune Enchanter (S!) [Locked] --) Talent: Plunder (?) | Infinite Evolution & Enchantment (?) [!] | Supreme Adaptation (?) | Transcendent body (?) [Locked] | Replica of Halo of Luck #######(?) [Locked] <> : 800 (HP= 1:10 Vitality) (Regen: 4/minute = 80*.05) : 750 (MP = 1:10 Intelligence) (Regen: 3.85/minute = 77*.05) 6 {Red:1} (21^) 16 {Red: 1} (21^) 80 {Red:0} (5^) 77 {Red: 0} (2^) 77 {Red:0} (7^) 76 {Red:0} (13^) Unassigned Stats: 10 266+20[ATK: STR+AGL*1.2] | 115/116 [MAG: INT*1.5] 153+20 [DEF: END+STA*1] --) Abilities [- Elemental Manipulation (SSS)] --) Skills: Low-grade poison resistance (Passive, Lv.2), Shadow Leap {Active, Lv.1}, Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros {Active/Passive, Lv.?}, Blade of the Tempest (Passive, Lv.1) --) Classskills: >> Undead Summon (Lv. 3), Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 2), Shadow Bolt (Lv. 2), Necrotic Aura (Lv.3), Weak Curse (Lv. 2) >> Arcane Bolt (Lv. 1), Mana Shield (Lv. 1), Magical Focus (Lv.3), Spark (Lv. 1) >> Weapon Mastery (Passive) (Lv.3), Power Slash (Lv. 1), Quick Swap (Lv. 1), Basic Battle Instinct (Lv.3) --) Inventory - Unknown vial - Mysterious egg - Unknown Bloodline vial - The Broken Ring of Loyalty - DuskFang Vest - Ember Fang - Zephyrwind Steel Plate - Stormrend ====== "Hmm¡­ looks like my stat development phase has finally started. I''ve even got my first Red Stats," Evan muttered to himself. He recalled the stat color hierarchy: Common ¡ú Red ¡ú Orange ¡ú Yellow ¡ú Green ¡ú Blue ¡ú Indigo ¡ú Violet Each tier was 100 times the previous. A Red Stat required 100 Common points. "In my past lives, I only reached my first Red Stat around Level 50. But now... not even Level 25, and I''m already past that threshold." He closed the status screen and opened his financial summary. << Nexus Account >> Total CP: 287,546 ¡°¡­Damn.¡± His eyes widened. ¡°Yesterday I had less than 10,000 CP¡­ Now I¡¯m close to 300,000?¡± He nodded, feeling satisfied. The dungeon run from the day before had paid off immensely. With that, an idea sparked in his mind. He opened his phone store, browsed through the catalogue, and made a few expensive purchases¡ªincluding a full desktop setup. Quick delivery was costly, but he didn¡¯t care. He even sent extra rent in advance to his landlord to ensure uninterrupted peace. << Nexus Account >> Remaining CP: 162,437 Spent: -125,109 "Yeah, looks like that money won¡¯t last long after all¡­" he sighed. Settling onto the floor, he held out his hand, trying to perform a technique. Nothing. He repeated the attempt a few times, with no results. But finally, something clicked. A small flame formed above his palm, spinning slowly. However, it soon lost stability and fell toward the floor. ¡°Yikes!¡± Evan quickly brushed the flame away. He chuckled. ¡°Fire and Earth¡­ I can just barely manage. But Lightning and Ice still aren¡¯t happening yet.¡± Just as he was about to stand, the doorbell rang. Evan walked over and opened the door to find a delivery team standing with boxes. ¡°Sir, we¡¯re here to deliver and install your order,¡± one of them said. He nodded and led them inside, pointing out the setup location. Fifteen minutes later, everything was installed neatly. Once the delivery team left, Evan sat down in front of the monitor. The screen came to life with a soft hum. ¡°Alright¡­ let¡¯s dive into the web.¡± He clicked the start button. -< To Be Continued >- Chapter 123: The Beginning of Ceruleth’s Chaos [Apartment - New Lumen District] In the quiet hum of a modest apartment, Evan sat before a newly set-up desktop, his eyes fixed on the bright screen. He had just finished connecting everything, and now, for the first time in this life, he opened the internet browser. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So, let me get down to basics, I guess," he muttered to himself, fingers flying across the keyboard as he entered the web. This time, he wasn¡¯t looking up news or general information¡ªhe was chasing history, hunting the truths he had never bothered to investigate in his previous lives. He dove deep into old forum archives, guild leader posts, confidential blog entries, and declassified data dumps written by the few who had survived the early chaos. One particular post by a high-level contributor, , caught his attention. [Post Excerpt ¨C Timeline Log] Eighty years ago. Out of nowhere, a global notification appeared in everyone''s vision: No one knew what it meant, and for a while... nothing changed. But slowly, people began to feel it. The atmosphere grew thicker. Stronger. Energy unknown to the world seeped in, unseen but undeniable. Some humans began to change¡ªsick patients miraculously recovered, elderly folks felt younger, and some even showed abnormal strength. The world thought it was a blessing. And then it began. People started awakening strange powers¡ªcontrolling fire, manipulating water, lifting buildings, and even reading minds. With no understanding of their powers, some turned to crime, and chaos broke out worldwide. Armies couldn¡¯t keep up. Then came the Second Message. That day, the earth roared. Fissures opened, cracks split entire cities. Dimensional rifts tore through reality, and monsters began pouring out¡ªwolves the size of trucks, serpents with flaming scales, insect swarms that devoured entire districts. Panic set in. Civilization began to collapse as humanity was pushed to the brink of extinction. But there was hope. Some humans¡ª¡°Awakeners¡±¡ªwere granted access to the System. These individuals could level up and grow stronger, akin to the very monsters they fought. Though vastly outnumbered, they fought back. The ratio was brutal. One Level 1 monster was equivalent to a Level 10 human. But the upside? Monster kills gave massive EXP, allowing humans to climb rapidly if they survived. Just as humanity began to adjust... The Third Message arrived. The world exploded¡ªliterally and figuratively. Landmasses expanded. Oceans shifted. Entire human cities vanished under mountains that rose overnight. New continents, forests, and oceans emerged. And with them, even more powerful monsters. The term ¡°survival¡± became a luxury. Humanity was cornered¡ªlandless, leaderless, and weaponless. Modern tech proved useless. Guns couldn¡¯t harm monsters. Civilians resorted to makeshift weapons¡ªstone blades, wooden spears. A new word began to rise in common tongues: ¡°Hunter.¡± Then it happened. A group of lucky awakeners managed to kill a Level 10 monster¡ªa feat considered impossible. They were rewarded with a mysterious item: Territory Deployment. That day, humans built their first safe zone. And that zone became a sanctuary. Word spread fast, and people gathered, forming the first human-controlled lands. More awakeners killed monsters, and more Territories were founded. The concept of Guilds emerged¡ªgroups led by powerful awakeners who provided protection and structure. Many of today¡¯s top guilds were born from that very chaos. Villages grew into towns. Human power soared. But then¡­ stagnation. Monster territories were dense, wild, and suited to their kind. Human defenses grew strong, but expansion slowed. The rate of progress fell to a crawl. Then came the Fourth Message¡ªa neutral yet ominous one. The shock didn¡¯t end there. Lords and guild leaders discovered a brutal fact: The total human-controlled land was now 0.89% of the world¡¯s surface. A devastating decline from the 80¨C90% humans once owned. Humans reeled. Motivated by humiliation, they doubled efforts. Over the decades, land was reclaimed, but only 10% of the new world had been wrested back. It wasn¡¯t enough. Just as people began adapting again, another challenge loomed¡­ [New Global Notification: Challenge Type ¨C D??????? Initiated...] Evan leaned back from the screen, breath slow. ¡°So this¡­ this is how it all began. And yet, no one really knows the final challenge,¡± he murmured, eyes narrowing. A smirk tugged at his lips. "But now I do¡­ and this time, I¡¯ll be ready." ¨C To be continued ¨C Chapter 124: The Challenge Called Dungeons A new wave of trials soon descended upon the hunters¡ªthis time, in the form of Dungeons. These mysterious realms, long forgotten by the world, began to manifest across Ceruleth. According to prevailing theories, dungeons were self-contained dimensions that birthed monsters periodically, threatening to overflow if left unchecked. However, unlike the chaotic rifts, dungeons offered a strange equilibrium. Inside, the strength ratio between hunters and monsters was more balanced. A Level 5 hunter could challenge and even defeat a Level 6 monster with enough skill and strategy. This newfound balance broadened the scope of the hunter world. More and more people dared to venture inside, growing stronger as their levels rose. But peace was never meant to last. The true problem arose when hunters began hitting their tier limits¡ªcapped at Level 100. Meanwhile, monsters continued evolving and growing stronger by the day, leaving humanity at a dangerous disadvantage. Then came a legendary event. A group of seven elite hunters¡ªalready revered as the first to defeat a field boss and establish a territory for humans¡ªgathered once more. A rift had emerged right before their domain. They were known as The Pioneers. Among them stood a man hailed as the God Maker, the mastermind who discovered and nurtured the raw talent of six ordinary individuals. Under his guidance, they became forces of nature¡ªeach one now leading the world¡¯s top six global guilds. But the God Maker himself... perished in the infamous Battle of Nexus, laying down his life to defeat a Lord-tier beast and claim a stronghold for humanity in the Nexus realm. His sacrifice immortalized him as a hero. Countless biographies, documentaries, and novels were created to honor the lives of the Pioneers, shedding light on how they carved out hope from a world of chaos. Evan leaned back in his chair, letting the screen dim slightly as he processed what he¡¯d read. "The God Maker¡­ Why would someone that powerful choose death when he had six godlike subordinates?" "Was it intentional¡­ or necessary?" The thoughts lingered in his mind, unanswered. He turned toward the window. The streets outside were still lit with the glow of bustling city life, though dusk had already fallen. His stomach rumbled¡ªbreaking his train of thought. He decided to eat out. Locking the apartment door behind him, Evan descended the stairs and stepped into the cool evening breeze. Hunters returning from dungeon raids walked beside salarymen shuffling toward their night shifts. Soon, he arrived at a small but popular local restaurant. The savory aromas hit him immediately. He placed his order and dug in, savoring every bite. Peaceful moments like this were rare. But that peace didn¡¯t last. His gaze drifted toward the entrance. A familiar group walked in¡ªLucas, Tess, and Ilya¡ªchatting casually, no doubt after a dungeon run. Evan instinctively turned his face slightly away, hiding his features. The trio was guided by a waiter to a table just two spots ahead of him on the left. Evan stared down at his food, seemingly uninterested. But inside, a seed had been planted. Why wait? Why let weeds grow when you can uproot them now? He almost stood up then and there¡ªbut quickly restrained himself. Killing a hunter in this area, even subtly, would bring unnecessary trouble. He needed a plan. Something quiet. Personal. With that thought, he called the waiter and requested the bill. When it arrived, he paid through his phone, then added one more request: ¡°A pen and some paper, please.¡± The waiter blinked in confusion but complied, bringing over a slip of paper and a pen before returning to his duties. Evan scribbled something on the paper, folded it, and smirked to himself. He didn¡¯t have to wait long. Lucas excused himself from his group and headed toward the restroom. Evan glanced around. No one was watching. He slipped from his seat and followed. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Inside the restroom, Lucas was washing his hands, head lowered. Evan stood behind him, mask summoned silently onto his face, concealing both identity and status. He waited. Lucas finished rinsing and raised his face to the mirror¡ªonly to freeze. Reflected behind him stood a masked man, silent and unreadable. Lucas turned, activating his mana shield on instinct, ready for an ambush. But nothing happened. Instead, something light brushed his arm and dropped to the floor. Lucas flinched, expecting an attack¡ªonly to realize it was¡­ a folded piece of paper. He picked it up cautiously and unfolded it. As his eyes scanned the message, his face paled, and his breath caught in his throat. A cold sweat formed along his back. He slowly looked back up¡ª But the masked man was gone. ¡ªTo Be Continued¡ª Chapter 125: A Message in the Shadows Lucas stood in the restroom, his eyes locked on the small piece of paper he had just picked up near his foot. He held it cautiously, ready to ignite it at the slightest sign of danger. But nothing happened. Instead, there were words¡ªscribbled hastily in uneven handwriting, like it belonged to someone his age. At first, he scoffed. A prank, perhaps. But as he read the first few lines, his heart skipped a beat. His body froze. His face drained of all color as the message seared into his brain. His eyes trembled, refusing to blink, fixed on the unsettling words written in tight script. Frantically, he glanced around the restroom stalls. Empty. Silent. No one. Reluctantly, he looked back at the note and read it in full. "Hello Lucas, Are you feeling any discomfort living in your new life¡ª Or should I say, someone else¡¯s body? If you think no one knows you¡¯ve taken over a kid¡¯s life after coming from another world... You¡¯re wrong. Want to keep it a secret? Come and silence me. Meet me in the back alley behind the restaurant. Come alone. Or your loved ones may suffer. ¨CThe Transmigrated Dragon Mage." The handwriting was tiny, almost illegible, but his talent allowed him to read every word. His breathing grew uneven. Someone knew. Someone actually knew. He stuffed the note in his pocket, left the restroom, and quickly returned to his table. His teammates sat unaware, chatting casually. A quick scan of the surroundings showed nothing unusual. No threats. He let out a shaky breath, but his mind was already racing. This couldn¡¯t be ignored. ¡°Hey,¡± he said, trying to keep his voice steady. ¡°I need to step out for a bit. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Though Ilya merely nodded and resumed her meal, Tess¡¯s gaze lingered on him, eyes filled with quiet suspicion. Still, she said nothing. Lucas slipped out. Every step toward the alley weighed on him. He wasn¡¯t foolish¡ªhe knew this could be a trap. A secluded alley wasn¡¯t exactly where you held friendly reunions. As he entered the narrow passage, shrouded in dim light and damp air, his instincts screamed at him. He conjured a small fireball in his palm. The flickering flame revealed a shadowy figure standing at the far end. The same person from the restroom. Lucas immediately went on guard. His instincts flared, ready to block or counter any move. If the man was truly stronger, he¡¯d have struck earlier. No, Lucas thought. He¡¯s a few levels ahead. Cocky. He activated his appraisal talent. A few seconds passed before he barked out his demand. ¡°Who are you? How do you know about me? Speak, or die here.¡± Silence. Then, the man stepped forward and spoke, voice theatrical, distorted¡ªclearly disguising himself. ¡°I am... Tenebris Revenant. The one who will reap your life with my Blade of Death, and bring justice to the soul whose body you stole.¡± Lucas narrowed his eyes. ''That name... it''s ridiculous. Probably fake. No way anyone can modify their name in the system¡­ Still, a Level 21 Warrior? That''s it? He thinks he can threaten me? I¡¯ll show him who''s boss.¡¯ He raised his sword¡ª And Tenebris vanished. Lucas spun, eyes darting. ¡°Coward! First you threaten me, then you run?!¡± But just as he relaxed his stance, he felt it. A deadly presence behind him. He threw himself forward¡ªjust in time to avoid a slashing blade that split the air where he¡¯d stood. ''Some kind of teleportation? No, that¡¯s supposed to be impossible at our level¡ª'' ¡°YOU THINK AND TALK TOO MUCH, LUCAS,¡± came the chilling voice behind him. Tenebris didn¡¯t stop. He slashed wildly, his blade dancing through the air¡ªright to left, down to up¡ªforcing Lucas into full defense. The sheer pressure was overwhelming. Suddenly, Tenebris activated a skill. [Quick Swap] In an instant, his plain blade morphed into the menacing Ember Fang¡ªhis trusted, flame-imbued sword. The difference was immediate. Lucas¡¯s reactions dulled. His vision blurred. His Talent was burning him out. His bloodshot eyes struggled to keep up with the pace of the fight. Every second was agony. Every slash he dodged, every hit he blocked, brought him closer to collapse. The truth dawned on him in horror. ''He¡¯s not just a few levels ahead... he¡¯s dozens. Maybe fifty levels above me¡­'' A blow shattered his balance. Before he could react, Ember Fang pierced through his stomach. Pain exploded through his body. He dropped to his knees. His sword clattered beside him. His Talent shut down from overuse. Even his racial ability¡ªFear¡ªwas weakening. Evan¡¯s stats were dangerously low, nearly in the red zone, but Lucas was in worse shape. Evan raised his blade again. Lucas barely managed to raise his shield in time. CRACK! The alley lit up with a blaze of fire as the sword struck, splintering the shield. ¡°HOH~~~, A SHIELD, HUH? BUT THIS SHABBY ONE CAN¡¯T STOP ME, LUCAS,¡± Evan roared in a warped voice. Another blow. The shield shattered. ¡°NOW... GOODBYE, LUCAS. MAY YOUR DEATH BRING PEACE TO THE ONE YOU STOLE THIS LIFE FROM.¡± He lifted his sword¡ªflames trailing from its edge. Lucas¡¯s eyes widened in pure terror. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His mouth wouldn¡¯t open. He could use his skill¡ªone that might end everything. But if it misfired¡­ his loved ones would die too. ''Is there no other way? Can I really do this¡ª?'' And just as that thought passed¡ª Something happened. Lucas¡¯s eyes flew open in shock as¡ª ¡ª¡ª Chapter 126: The Whispering Arrows of Retribution The clash between Lucas and the shadowy figure known as Tenebris¡ªEvan in disguise¡ªraged fiercely. Though Lucas held his ground with impressive resolve, the battle was clearly one-sided. Evan, blessed with far superior stat points and combat experience, held the advantage. Meanwhile, Tess, who had grown increasingly anxious when Lucas failed to return from his solo patrol, exited the restaurant and began searching. Her hunter¡¯s instincts flared the moment she heard the distinct clang of clashing steel echoing from a secluded alley nearby. she muttered, eyes narrowing. Drawn by instinct, she followed the sound. A flicker of flame burst from the shadows, momentarily lighting the alley''s darkness. Her sharp gaze caught two silhouettes locked in combat. One she didn¡¯t recognize, but the other¡ªon his knees, bloodied and barely holding on¡ªwas unmistakable. ¡°LUCAAAASSSS!!¡± Her scream pierced the air like one of her arrows. Without hesitation, she summoned her bow and loosed a shot. The arrow flew with wind-blessed precision. Evan reacted fast, attempting to deflect it with his sword, but the projectile was too fast, too forceful. It grazed his shoulder, tearing through the outer flesh. He stumbled back, gritting his teeth. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But Tess wasn¡¯t done. ¡°[Rapid Shot]... [Wind¡¯s Blessing]!¡± A flurry of arrows exploded from her bow, each one trailing the hiss of wind magic. Evan¡¯s expression darkened as he backed off, vanishing into the alley shadows with a flicker of movement. [Shadow Leap]. The skill granted by a mini-boss in the Beast Grove Dungeon allowed him to meld with the darkness, becoming unseen to the naked eye. As the alley returned to silence, Tess stood her ground, bow drawn and eyes scanning every corner. Seconds passed. Nothing. Convinced the attacker had retreated, she cautiously approached Lucas, who lay groaning in pain. Blood soaked his side¡ªhis abdomen had taken a deep slash. Though his Dragon bloodline was healing him slowly, the blood loss could prove fatal. She knelt beside him and reached for her phone to call Ilya. And that was the moment Evan had been waiting for. From the darkness, he struck. [Shadow Bolt] [Bone Fang Strike] Two lethal projectiles soared from the shadows¡ªone aimed for Lucas¡¯s heart, the other at his throat. It was the same tactic he''d used countless times in the dungeon: a quick, double-strike surprise attack to finish his prey. Lucas reacted first, raising a trembling hand. A mana shield shimmered into being¡ªfragile, incomplete, but just enough. The [Shadow Bolt] shattered the shield, but the energy dissipated after impact. He gritted his teeth, his body screaming in protest from earlier wounds. But he didn¡¯t see the second strike. The [Bone Fang Strike] came low, sneaking beneath the defense. The sharp bone pierced through his hand. ¡°AAAAARRGHHH!!¡± Lucas screamed, blood spraying from his palm as he dropped back. ¡°Lucas!!¡± Tess¡¯s eyes flared with rage. Wind coiled around her bow as she activated a skill few below Level 50 had ever seen. [Arrows of Whisperers] Dozens of wind-imbued arrows formed in the air above her, each one humming with a resonance that echoed her fury. With a flick of her fingers, the arrows rained down. Evan, sensing death, had no choice. He emerged from the shadows, briefly revealing his masked form before vanishing again with [Shadow Leap]. ¡°I WILL COME BACK, TO HARVEST YOUR SOUL, LUCAS! JUST WAIT FOR YOUR TURN!¡± His voice echoed as he slipped into the darkness, disappearing before Tess''s arrows could fall again. For a moment, silence returned. Tess didn¡¯t lower her bow. Not yet. Only when several minutes passed¡ªand the alley remained clear¡ªdid she finally kneel beside Lucas again, her hands trembling slightly. Crowds soon gathered, drawn by the disturbance. Among them was Ilya, who rushed toward them with her party. ¡°Lucas?! What¡ª?!¡± She fell to her knees beside him and immediately began casting low-level healing spells. Her expression contorted with frustration¡ªher magic wasn¡¯t enough. The ambulance was on its way. But Lucas, sensing the danger¡ªand the opportunity¡ªfocused inward. He had been waiting for a moment like this. He looked at Ilya with half-lidded eyes, and something in him moved¡­ He her potential to awaken. After all, Ilya was not a mere Healer. She was the possessor of , a latent S-grade talent¡ªone she herself had no idea she carried. Its passive effects granted defense, radiant healing, and light-based attack buffs. But hidden within it, as per the classified intel Lucas had uncovered, was the potential to evolve into SS or even SSS rank¡­ if triggered under the right emotional and situational catalysts. And this¡ªthis moment of desperation, pain, and purpose¡ªwas one such catalyst. He closed his eyes and triggered the gambit. He only hoped it would work¡­ ¡ª¡ª Chapter 127: The Light Within and the Shadows Beyond Lucas lay sprawled in the middle of the dim alleyway, his body drenched in blood, unmoving. His face was pale, almost lifeless. Beside him, Ilya and Tess knelt, their faces soaked in tears, their expressions shattered. To the onlookers, he looked like a man at death¡¯s door, ready to greet the King of Hell. But in truth¡ªhe was fine. Thanks to his bloodline, Lucas possessed regenerative powers. The injury he suffered wasn''t just real¡ªit was calculated. A dangerous gamble. One he made to awaken something buried deep within Ilya. He coughed weakly, playing the part of a man whose end had come, his trembling hand reaching toward the faces of the two girls he held dearest. ¡°Sor¡­ sorry¡­¡± His voice was faint, hoarse. ¡°Maybe I won¡¯t be able to walk with you both on this path called life. Maybe¡­ maybe if fate allows, we¡¯ll meet again someday... Bye, Tess¡­ lya¡­¡± And with that, he let his hand fall and pretended to lose consciousness¡ªif not die outright. Tess¡¯s mind went blank. The man she loved was dying in front of her. Rage bloomed in her chest. Her eyes turned crimson with fury. She turned toward the one responsible, bloodlust leaking from every pore. Meanwhile, Ilya desperately poured every ounce of her energy into healing Lucas. ¡°No¡­ you can¡¯t die here¡­ just wait¡­ wait for me¡­ I¡¯ll save you¡­¡± she sobbed, her voice cracking under the strain of her effort. Her hands trembled as she activated her healing skills again and again, draining her mana dry. Her nose began to bleed, her body shaking violently from overexertion. And then¡ªit happened. A radiant, blinding light burst from her body. It enveloped both her and Lucas in a golden sphere of pure life energy. The crowd gasped, stunned at the divine glow blooming before their eyes. It was as though the heavens had descended. The weak girl from moments ago now radiated power on par with a Peak Tier 0 Healer. Even more miraculous¡ªLucas''s body began to heal. Wounds stitched together, torn flesh reformed, and the color returned to his cheeks. The aura of death slowly faded away. Ilya, suspended midair by the glow, finally collapsed to the ground, drained beyond exhaustion. Tess caught her, her own body trembling. She looked down¡ªLucas¡¯s eyes fluttered open, blinking at the sky. She looked at Ilya, unconscious but breathing and a sense of relief flooded her. He was alive. ¡®I did it... now no one should come close to Ilya when it comes to healing,¡¯ Lucas thought as he smiled inwardly, never letting the others see. It was risky, yes. But the reward? Beyond measure. By placing his life on the line, he¡¯d successfully awakened the dormant healing talent inside Ilya¡ª, a rare S-rank ability. And from what Lucas could tell¡ªit held the potential to even reach SSS-rank under the right conditions. When he first met her, he saw that glimmer of potential. Originally, he planned to help her unlock it inside a dungeon. But fate handed him a chance here¡ªand he took it without hesitation. A fifty-fifty gamble. A perfect success. Tears turned into smiles. Hope returned to despairing hearts. But as joy surrounded the trio... ...one figure dashed through the dark alleys, fleeing the scene. It was Evan. He was bleeding, wounded by Tess¡¯s ferocious arrows. He hadn''t expected her to interfere¡ªlet alone unleash such a dangerous skill in public. His plan to end Lucas tonight had failed. Another damn miracle. ¡°Destined ones... parasites who leech off others, only to climb over them later,¡± Evan muttered under his breath as he rode through the city on his Phantom mount¡ªZephoros. The undead steed galloped like a blur, attracting shocked glances from pedestrians. Nearing home, Evan dismissed the beast to avoid attention. He staggered into his apartment, leaving trails of blood behind him. The door slammed shut. He switched on the lights, stripped off his torn and bloodstained clothes, and stumbled into the bathroom. His body was a mess of bruises, cuts, and punctures. Each injury is a reminder of how close he came to being torn apart. He gritted his teeth and grabbed the first-aid kit. He disinfected, bandaged, and covered his wounds as best he could. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And then¡ª. A system message appeared before him. His limbs trembled. Vision blurred. He collapsed onto the bed, barely making it. And there he lay¡ªasleep, healing, silent. The wounds hidden beneath the bandages were visibly shrinking. Flesh closed. Skin repaired. His body had gone into overdrive. And Evan? He had no idea. [16th Everdusk, 2103] Sunlight peeked through the window. Evan opened his eyes slowly. His entire body felt... light. The pain was gone. He sat up, glancing down at the bandages. A shock jolted through him¡ªonly faint scars and bruises remained. He remembered everything. Lucas. Tess. Ilya. And that damn miracle. "If I don¡¯t grow stronger now¡­ I¡¯ll die before I can even touch him again." His goal was clear. Level 50. At that level, he could finally consume the Vial of Unknown¡ªhis secret trump card. It would elevate him. Maybe even let him stand above them all. He had no more time to waste. After a quick breakfast and tossing his bloodstained clothes, he dressed in fresh gear and prepared to leave. But the moment he opened his apartment door... A crowd had gathered in the hallway. People were murmuring, gasping, pointing toward something. He frowned, confused. ¡°What the hell is going on now?¡± - To Be Continued - What lies beyond that crowd? Trouble? Revelation? Or perhaps a twist Evan never saw coming...? Chapter 128: Trading at CGA. In front of Evan''s apartment, there was a huge crowd causing commotion over something, and Evan, who had just come out of his room, went to see what had happened. The crowd was so large that he couldn''t even see what was going on ahead. So, he asked one person standing before him. "Brother, do you know what happened here? Is something big happening?" "Oh, hi Evan, haven''t seen you in a while. Yes, something big happened. People found many blood traces around here and are suspecting someone from this floor. The whole staircase up to this floor is bloodied, like someone was heavily injured or came covered in blood." "Oh, I see. Well, did they find out who it was?" "Nah, Horace over there is trying to look cool in front of some girls and is looking around for clues like some detective. Isn''t he a total fool?" The guy said while pointing toward Horace, the building owner, who was looking around with a cool attitude, and secretly laughed at him. Evan didn''t think much of it until his eyes landed on some blood spilled on the floor before his room. He instantly remembered what had happened last night. ''Oh crap, it was me, and if Horace calls the police, they may connect it to the fight between me and Lucas last night. I should do something to stop him from calling them.'' Evan, who was still thinking, quickly reached Horace, who was talking with the girls. "Horace, maybe I can help you with this," Evan said as he came in front of him, drawing everyone''s attention. "Huh, Evan, what are you doing here, and what do you mean you can help with this? Do you know who was behind it?" "Yes, because... it was me who did this. So don''t waste time calling the police and wasting other people''s time over such a foolish thing." Evan said as the whole crowd fell silent. "Huh... do you mean you''re the one who spilled blood in the hallway and stairs? But why? If you don''t tell me the reason, then I am calling the police right now." "Don''t worry, if I didn''t want to tell you, I wouldn''t have come in front of you. The thing is, last night I was returning from the dungeon and didn''t notice a big cut on my leg, which was obviously caused by a monster attack. My pants were soaked in blood, and it continued to flow, making this mess around here." He explained, showing the bandages and tapes he used on his almost healed injuries from Tess''s attacks. The crowd began to murmur among themselves as the story matched and seemed believable, causing their suspicion to diminish. "So, it was you, huh. Well, don''t do it again, but for this mess, pay the fine and get it over with. And yes again, don''t do it again." Horace said, knowing he couldn''t mess with Evan, who was an awakened being, while he was not. If Evan had not been an awakened being, Horace would have taken money and made him clean it up himself. After paying the five hundred as a penalty, Evan went to get a taxi to reach CGA and buy some equipment and weapons for hunting. After coming down from his floor, he exited the building and took his ride to the CGA branch in the city. Later, Evan stood in front of the branch, paid the fare, and enter the building ground. He first thought to check out the market in the branch made by hunters but decided that he should buy something first, then hunt, and afterward visit the market. He entered the main building and decided to head to the second floor, where weapons and armor are sold by the association. The building has four floors: the first is the basement, where the Nexus portal is located and only hunters of Tier 1 and above can enter; the second is the ground floor, where hunter registration and dungeon inquiries are conducted; the third is the second floor, where weapons and armor are bought and sold; and the fourth is the third floor, where miscellaneous items like potions, materials, and other goods are available for purchase or sale. Most hunters buy items from the second and third floors because they often prefer to exchange items with other hunters according to their needs. Evan did not stop and went to the second floor to buy some items with his meager 160,000 CP. He knew he would not be able to get decent items of Erith rank, but still trying to find something that fits in his hands was not bad. He took the stairs and reached the second floor, where many hunters were buying items left and right. The floor was big, just like the first floor, though a little smaller in area, but still spacious enough to accommodate about five hundred hunters easily. He then approached the main desk, where the cash counter was available to pay for the equipment, the hunters were looking around for. "Hello sir, how may I help you?" the official standing there asked him with a professional smile. "Hello, I am a Tier 0 hunter and am here to buy some equipment for myself of at least Caldo rank," Evan explained as the official nodded and went to work. "Sir, could you please specify the type of equipment you are looking for, such as armor or weapons, and the specific type? We have lightweight armor for assassins and mages and heavyweight armor for knights and tanks. As for weapons, we offer a variety of commonly used options like swords, bows, axes, hammers, spears, and many more, with custom-made options available as well. You can also provide us with the materials to build them." "Well, I want to buy some weapons and also wish to sell a full set of knight armor, preferably of Erith rank." "Oh, certainly sir, we can facilitate that. If you wish to sell, please come with us and show the condition of the armor, and then we can decide the price after assessing its overall condition," the attendant said as he led Evan to a large table where he could display the entire equipment. Evan nodded and took out the armor from his inventory, placing it in front of them. The armor consisted of various parts such as headgear, a chest plate with attached chainmail inside, full hand guards with iron gloves attached, and leg gear that was quite spacious compared to the others. The attendant began inspecting the armor''s components, his face filled with shock as the armor was far superior to merely being called Erith rank. It was also a perfect set of gear complemented by a Wind element. "Sir, are you really going to sell it here? Is it not a suit you use yourself? Wouldn''t you prefer to auction it at a high-end guild to gain more profit?" "No, I am certain I am going to sell it here. I am not a knight; I am a Necromancer who obtained this after defeating a boss," Evan explained, clarifying any misunderstandings about how he acquired the armor as a Necromancer. Regarding the question about selling, it at auction, Evan preferred to avoid the spotlight of high-end guilds, which could bring trouble into his life. Selling it to the association would help him evade such complications. "O-okay, I will call someone at a senior post to look into this offer, so please wait and don''t go anywhere," he said as he rushed away to call someone. Evan didn''t move from there and waited for the attendant to return. As he looked around, he noticed that beside him, there were many Tier 1 rank equipment for sale. Higher-tier equipment, such as those above Tier 2, are not displayed like that, nor are Tier 0 items, which are available in bulk was only displayed in screen lists. Displaying a single item from various tiers would not showcase the full variety. He was looking around when his eyes landed on someone he knew quite well. "Oh Mr. Darian, is that you?" Evan said as he saw someone coming toward him with eager steps. Darian, who was heading in a slightly different direction, stopped in his tracks when he saw Evan. Standing beside the item-selling desk, he got confused and first thought to just nod and go away, but when his eyes landed on the items on the desk, he instantly felt like he had seen them before. He came closer and realized the equipment was indeed familiar. He inspected them and found they were the same equipment he saw with Evan after the dungeon destruction investigation. "Aren''t you that kid named Evan who took the Solo test?" he said as he came closer, but his whole attention was on the armor lying in front of him. "Oh yes, sir, I am the same kid and am here to sell this and to buy some items after receiving the money from the sale," Evan explained. Upon hearing this, Darian''s eyes flashed with excitement, as if the thing he was looking for, came to him with open hands. "Well kid, if you don''t mind, can I buy this set from you? My brother''s nephew, who just got his class a few days ago, is looking for this type of armor. He is a Skyedge Warrior of B rank class. He is quite talented and very good, but the only thing he was looking for is a good weapon and a good armor related to his class. However, a weapon was the only thing my brother was able to find and is still looking for armor." "And this item over there is quite good, so I want you to give it to me. In return, you can ask me for two... no, three pieces of equipment of the same rank, and I won''t bat an eye at the price tag for you," Darian said. Evan, who was initially thinking of rejecting the offer, decided to consider it, as he could get three items of Erith rank at any price. "Well, Mr. Darian, I first started to think of rejecting your offer, but out of respect and considering your generous proposal, I agree. Yes, I am ready to take three items," Evan said. At first, Darian was disappointed when he heard Evan, but as Evan continued, Darian''s face lit up with delight. "Thanks, kid. You''ve solved one of my big problems, and don''t worry, I won''t go back on my word. I''ll even help you get the best items from our association," Darian said. He then went to look for a staff member, as he didn''t see anyone nearby, and asked Evan to stay there and not go away. Evan nodded and sighed as two people asked him to stay and wait but no one arrived yet. ''Where did that attendant go? I should tell him that I am going to sell it to Darian,'' Evan thought as he looked around for the same attendant and found him talking to someone. He was about to approach him when his eyes fell on the person the attendant was talking to. Lucas, who was alone, was conversing with the attendant. ''Where did he come from? Is he always present wherever I go? Is he coincidentally following me?'' Evan wondered as he hid away. But then he thought, why should he hide, as he wasn''t going to join Lucas''s team until he had gained enough power. "Oh sir, why are you hiding behind that stand? Please come out. I have brought my senior to handle this trade," the attendant, who had been missing, said as he returned after talking with Lucas and found Evan standing behind the dummy stand. "Oh, I was just checking whether my size for such armor was good or not and nothing else." "Sorry sir, but this armor is not available for you to buy as you need a tier 1 certificate to get it. And yes, I brought my senior to... huh, where are they? They were just behind me a few seconds ago." The attendant said as he looked around for him, but Evan knew where his senior was and with whom. The senior that the attendant brought was walking around with Lucas to help him buy items, and the reason for this was... don''t ask me. You know all about his protagonist halo, so just be satisfied with that. "Well sir, maybe your senior isn''t interested in such a low trade, so why don''t we consider it, as never happened, as I also got someone to sell it in exchange for three items of the same rank." "Huh... but weren''t you about to sell it to us? What happened that changed your mind in such a few minutes?" the attendant asked with shaky hands, but not out of fear or tension, but for losing his percentage of buying the armor and even selling some items to this kid. "Yes, I did, but someone asked me to sell the armor to him and even gave me a tempting offer, so I changed my mind. But don''t worry, I am still selling it to the association." "Huh, but what would you give to that hunter if you''re giving us that armor?" "Oh, you didn''t understand. I mean to say that I am giving this armor to an official to get three items." "Huh, which one? Let me talk to him and then you may decide it after that. Where is he? Is he coming or did he run away after tricking you with this fake tempting offer?" The attendant said as he thought that one of the officers was trying to seize this kid item and put him into a fraud. "Oh, he returned quite fast. Look, that person is the one who bought my armor from me." Evan pointed at one person coming as an officer of the association was also behind him, and the atmosphere between them was not good or normal. "Tell me who it is... Senior Darian." "What are you doing here? Get back to the main desk or you won''t be able to work here anymore," Darian said in anger, taking it out on him. The attendant ran away like a cat with her tail between her legs. "What happened, Mr. Darian? Is something wrong? Are you not going to take my armor?" "Oh, no, I am going to take it. A low-rank hunter filled with the pride and attitude of a high hunter got in my way and wasted both our time with his meaningless purchase." Evan instantly recognized such a character and thought of Lucas, who was the only one to get on Darian''s nerves and get away easily. "Oh, don''t worry, sir. Such a person doesn''t deserve your anger. Let us complete the trade and move on, as ruining our transaction over something pointless is unnecessary. Moreover, it is for your nephew''s future and, safety comes first before anything else." Evan said, trying to calm him while pressing his alarming nerve to put him in control. "Yes, I understand. But Evan, can I ask if you also have the weapon of the boss from back then? If getting an additional weapon for my nephew is possible, I can pay more. If you provide me with that weapon, I will give you a total of five... no, six items for everything." Darian declared, causing Evan''s mind to waver. However, he didn''t falter much, as such a good and handy longsword didn''t come easily. With this weapon, he could level up his skill, which he got from boss back then. Until he could normally perform the skill, he couldn''t sell it. "Sorry, sir, but I did wish to sell it to you. However, due to some issue, it broke in the dungeon as its durability was already low. Using that weapon in a crude way by me got it destroyed. So once again, sorry, and thank you for your generous offer." Evan said, making lines as his lying ability grew much faster now. "Oh, then it''s okay. But if you get the same weapon, contact me too," Darian said as he picked up the armor and ordered the official, who was the same person with Lucas, to get him the three necessary items. Darian was eager to send the armor to his nephew and left while Evan and the officer remained alone. "Well sir, what I need is a bow, spear, and finally a shield of Erith rank, obviously. And please try to find the best of the best for me," Evan explained, as these three were the basic ones he thought would be valuable the dungeon and wanted to become proficient in. "Hah, Sir Darian, why did you put me in such a situation? I was about to make a connection with that kid who knows the branch manager, but he assigned me to give items to this kid," the officer said, even though he did not agree to do this work but still doing it. He told Evan to follow him and took him to the tier 0 section where he searched for the best equipment he wanted to buy. Finally, after fifteen minutes, he agreed on three items. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? Weapon: Shadowpiercer (Tier 0, Erith Rank) Type: Bow Durability: 800/800 Weight: Light Attack Power: 70 Description: A sleek, jet-black recurve bow carved from the spine of a Netherwood Tree, reinforced with darksteel inlays. The bowstring is woven from Abyssal Silk, allowing it to vibrate with eerie silence. Each arrow loosed from this bow carries a whisper of the void, vanishing momentarily before striking its mark. Effects: Phantom Arrow: Arrows gain slight intangibility, ignoring weak barriers and passing through lesser obstructions. Piercing Gloom: Arrows deal extra damage when fired from the shadows. Silent Draw: The bow produces no sound when pulled, allowing for stealthier attacks. __ Weapon: Nightpiercer (Tier 0, Erith Rank) Type: Spear sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Durability: 900/900 Weight: Medium Attack Power: 95 Description: A dark spear with a twisted obsidian shaft and a fang-like spearhead forged from the remains of a Shadow Serpent. The weapon pulses with an eerie, predatory hunger, making it feel almost alive in the wielder''s grasp. When wielded in dimly lit environments, its edge appears to ripple like a mirage. Effects: Fang Strike: A successful thrust temporarily weakens the target''s defenses. Shadow Lunge: Allows the wielder to lunge forward at unnatural speed when attacking. Predator''s Instinct: Slightly enhances reaction speed when locked onto an enemy. __ Weapon: Duskguard (Tier 0, Erith Rank) Type: Shield Durability: 1100/1100 Weight: Heavy Defense Rating: 120 Description: A round shield made from Voidforged Metal, absorbing light instead of reflecting it. At its center, a shifting abyssal gemstone pulses with stored energy, allowing the wielder to momentarily harness its protective properties. Its surface is unnaturally cold to the touch, as if resisting the warmth of the world around it. Effects: Void Absorption: Can absorb a portion of incoming magical damage, converting it into temporary resistance. Abyssal Reflection: Can deflect weak spells back toward the caster when timed correctly. Stalwart Guard: Grants minor resistance against mental interference while raised. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? He took the three pieces of equipment and nodded before the official left him to roam around. When Evan looked at the item cost, he was shocked as the total amount was around 280,000 CP. He wouldn''t be able to get that amount even if he sold the armor, which would fetch at most 140,000 to 165,000 CP. To buy them, he would have to spend all his remaining money. "Then let''s start the real fun from now on. Talent, enchant them," Evan said, as he determined to put extra effort into bringing out the true potential of the items he held. Talents and items came first, and other things were secondary. Evan had just requested his talent enchant his weapons when talent revealed something unexpected and unheard of. "Hi, what do you mean? Is it something great or bad?" "Then it''s okay." Evan pressed the Yes option, and the system went blank. After a few moments, it started to show new notifications. "Please provide me with and other relevant details so that I can proceed to the dungeon promptly." : +1 (50 EEP), +2 (145 EEP), +3 (230 EEP) : +1 (65 EEP), +2 (160 EEP), +3 (250 EEP) : +1 (45 EEP), +2 (135 EEP), +3 (220 EEP) "Huh, so now they are adding the (+) system to show the enchantment for overall items. Good, then let all three reach +3 And perhaps now I can enchant more easily with the help of this feature." He said as all three enchantments began to work and the cost of the enchantment was deducted from him beforehand. As the result was in front of him with full detail. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? Weapon: Shadowpiercer (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: Bow Durability: 1,300/1,300 Weight: Light Attack Power: 130 Description: A sleek, jet-black recurve bow carved from the spine of a Netherwood Tree, now further reinforced through enchantments. The darksteel inlays pulse faintly, amplifying its connection to the void. The Abyssal Silk bowstring has grown even more refined, humming with suppressed energy. Arrows loosed from this bow no longer simply whisper through the void¡ªthey flicker between reality and nothingness, making them nearly impossible to track. Effects: Phantom Arrow+ ¡ú Arrows now gain higher intangibility, bypassing stronger barriers and obstructions. Piercing Gloom+ ¡ú Arrows fired from the shadows now critically strike, dealing significantly increased damage. Silent Draw+ ¡ú The bow remains completely silent, and arrows leave no visible trail when fired. Void Step (New) ¡ú After a successful ranged attack, the user can momentarily blur into the shadows, reducing enemy tracking for a brief moment. __ Weapon: Nightpiercer (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: Spear Durability: 1,500/1,500 Weight: Medium Attack Power: 170 Description: A dark spear with a twisted obsidian shaft and a fang-like spearhead forged from the remains of a Shadow Serpent. Through repeated enchantments, its structure has been reinforced, and its presence has grown more ominous. Now, the weapon resonates with a near-sentient hunger, its surface subtly shifting as though absorbing the darkness around it. In dimly lit environments, its edge distorts reality itself, making it unpredictable to the enemy''s eye. Effects: Fang Strike+ ¡ú A successful thrust now greatly weakens the target''s defenses for a short duration. Shadow Lunge+ ¡ú Increases lunge speed and allows for a follow-up attack if the first strike lands. Predator''s Instinct+ ¡ú Sharpened instincts now allow the wielder to react even before an enemy fully moves. Serpent''s Echo (New) ¡ú The weapon retains a fraction of each successful kill, momentarily increasing its attack power. __ Weapon: Duskguard (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: Shield Durability: 1,800/1,800 Weight: Heavy Defense Rating: 200 Description: A round shield forged from Voidforged Metal, now strengthened through repeated enchantments. Its abyssal gemstone has grown more active, faintly pulsing with stored energy that seeps into the wielder''s grip. The surface of the shield no longer just absorbs light¡ªit distorts the air around it, creating an eerie visual ripple that unsettles opponents. It is now impervious to minor heat-based attacks and grows colder in intense combat. Effects: Void Absorption+ ¡ú Can now absorb a greater portion of incoming magical damage, converting it into a stronger temporary resistance. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Abyssal Reflection+ ¡ú Can now deflect mid-tier spells back at the caster with greater accuracy when timed correctly. Stalwart Guard+ ¡ú Now grants moderate resistance against mental interference and reduces fear effects while raised. Abyssal Surge (New) ¡ú Upon absorbing enough magic, the shield can release a wave of force, staggering nearby enemies. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? "Excellent. Now, proceed with upgrading my other items as well and inform me of the cost. If the funds are insufficient, I will be able to earn the necessary amount today." "Huh, but aren''t there more items to enchant? Why are you not taking Duskfang Vest and Emberfang to enchant?" Vernis: +1 Max Caldo: +2 Max Erith: +3 Max> "So, they can''t upgrade right now." Talent remained silent as Evan proceeded with his Stromrend upgrade, giving away 260 EEP more to continue. Seconds later, he received the enchanted blade from Talent. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? Weapon: Stormrend (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: One-Handed Sword Durability: 1,200/1,200 Weight: Light Attack Power: 145 Description: A reforged blade now pulsating with rekindled storm energy. The once-weakened wind-aligned properties have strengthened, causing faint arcs of static to dance along its edge. When swung, it leaves behind a visible wind trail, and its hum has grown into a whispering gale. Stormrend now cuts through the air with greater ease, making each strike feel almost weightless. Effects: Wind Edge+ ¡ú Increases attack speed by 25%, making follow-up strikes significantly faster. Gust Slash+ ¡ú Wind pressure now extends the attack reach further and can stagger weaker foes on impact. Whispering Blade+ ¡ú The sword''s movements are smoother, allowing the wielder greater precision and reaction speed in combat. Storm Surge (New) ¡ú Charging an attack gathers storm energy, releasing a cutting wind shockwave on impact. ?©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤©¤? He nodded and put away the blade in his inventory and went to buy some arrows before heading toward his dungeon. He paid about 1000 CP to buy 100 arrows with a quiver too for about 1500 CP. "This association is really taking too much money for this," he said as he came in front of the dungeon and, after setting about 20 arrows in his quiver, he went inside to hunt. The dungeon he was entering was his previous dungeon, Beast Grove, where he had mainly been hunting boars until now. After entering, he quickly moved toward the hunting field and got his bow and arrows ready. Today he was going to hunt stags more, as with the level difference, he could easily increase his level more quickly. For hunting boars, he was about to use something he should have used from back then. "System, use my fragments and upgrade the duration of my summons in my skill, Undead Summon," Evan Before leaving his room, he had thought that if these fragments could enhance the skills, then why not try it. "Yes, do it and use all of them." Skill: Undead Summon (Lv. 3) Type: Active Mana Cost: 40 MP/ Summon Cooldown: 10 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Summons a basic undead creature to serve as a temporary minion. The undead will fight for the summoner until destroyed or dismissed. The creature summoned depends on the user''s Necromancer class progression and available materials. Summon Type: Skeleton Warrior (Basic Tier). Duration:70 minutes or until destroyed. Stats: Health:65% of the caster''s max health (+10% increase). Strength:60% of the caster''s Strength (+5% increase). Agility:60% of the caster''s Agility (+5% increase). Defense:50% of the caster''s Defense (+5% increase). Additional Upgrades: Summon Gains Slight Intelligence: The undead can now follow slightly more complex commands beyond just attacking. Durability Boost: The summoned undead is slightly more resistant to dispelling effects "Good, now let me show you the true usage and terror of a necromancer," he said as he lifted his hand and called out his skill. "{Undead summon} (-600 MP)," he said as fifteen skeletons appeared before him. Their style was different from usual, as their power increased with their level. "Go and hunt down the boars that are alone and without any hunters nearby. Do not attack humans. If attack you, first get away and do not engage with them until I order you to. Whenever you hunt a boar, bring it to a collection point. Listen closely: one of you will come with me, two will guard the collection area, twelve hunt in pairs. Now go." He spoke, and after the mutation, the summons had gained some intelligence to follow some orders of complex range. One remained by his side while the other fourteen left to hunt in the lower fields. He and the summon proceeded to the stag hunting ground, where he could hunt stags alone with his summon. He took out his Duskguard and handed it to his summon, who equipped it skillfully. Evan then took out his Shadowpiercer bow from his inventory to hunt and gain proficiency with the bow. He walked toward the stag area, where stags were commonly seen and hunted. But before he could enter the area, he heard a message. [Your summons has slain a Boar (Lv.24). EXP gained: 240 (+48 Level Gap).] [1588/2400] He smiled, satisfied that his plan was working. He moved toward his goal without any tension, as messages occasionally rang out. As rumors began to spread that a high death class mage in the Beast Grove dungeon is hunting the Boar with high number of skeletons, people reported seeing roaming in front of them as the news was so much high due to the level restriction of dungeon as no ordinary Death class can summon such strong and huge number of summons who carry out orders without any assistance. The undead were not listed in the dungeon details, and the beasts did not attack other hunters even if they came across them. Many hunters saw a huge of corpses in one area of the field, only of boars. Despite their efforts to find the summoner or mage, they failed, and the plan to recruit him was unsuccessful. The rumor started just today, and many were still unaware of it or else the dungeon gate should have been turned into recruitment battle ground. Evan, unaware of these events, continued hunting in the stag area with his summon and bow. [One hour later....] He had unlocked Bow proficiency in his weapon master skill, which was at its final stage and ready for an upgrade. He shot an arrow straight at an unsuspecting stag grazing on the grass. The arrow moved and struck its target directly in the throat. The stag struggled desperately, trying to locate the hunter, but no one could be seen due to Evan''s bow effects. Before the stag could escape, the summon was already prepared and attacked it while it was struggling, efficiently and effortlessly killing it. With the help of his shield, the summon was becoming an excellent tank with Evan''s stats. "Well done, now let''s return and meet with your comrades to observe their big hunt visible in my system," he told his summon, who did not understand much and watched his master walk toward the heap of corpses collected by the summon. He had hunted a total of 13 stag and many boars were killed as he received 61 notifications for the kills by his summons. [You and your summons have slain 13 Stags (Lv.27-31) and 61 Boars (Lv.22-29).EXP Gained: 23,580.] [25,168/2400 EXP] [Level Up!]Lv. 28 (+7)[3868/4200 EXP][Unassigned Points gained: 70] "Oh, quite a significant upgrade within just hour, remarkable," Evan remarked as he employed his talent to plunder the remaining items. [] Evan observed the use of talent and nodded in satisfaction as he began to walk away from the area, having taken the corpses of the beasts. He was heading towards his summon collection area to retrieve the corpses and take the final plunder them, as he obviously wouldn''t be able to it afterward. He started to run quickly, taking his guard shield from the summon and dismissing it. His stamina was on a different gaining one red stat from 100 stats. He swiftly reached the boar hunting grounds and immediately approached the area where a large crowd had gathered. Evan was puzzled and moved closer to find that his heap of corpses, which was protected by his summons, was surrounded, but no one was attacking them. He grew serious, realizing that if what he was thinking was true, his foolproof plan might be thwarted by this incident. Not wanting to show his face, he equipped a different mask that materialized on his face. He moved forward and started walking toward the summons from the other side when a hunter saw him and stopped him from going any further. "Hi, brother, where are you going? Stop before these skeletons attacks you. We have tried to get closer, but these summonses are really quickly on guard and don''t let us come closer. Oh, by the way, you also here to and try to make contact with the prodigy death mage or Necromancer? "The guy asked who was looking like an archer of some kind as Evan face was turned into some shocked and confused mixed face. "Huh, prodigy Necromancer, where did that come from? Is there any other necromancer here who has higher rank than me?" Evan thought as he continued to walk toward summons. The archer tried to stop him, but he didn''t. Many hunters thought he was going to get beaten by them, but contrary to their expectations, he easily passed by the summons as if he didn''t exist or they didn''t need to attack him. Many were confused but some understood what had happened. Evan checked the heap of corpses and as he started to store them in his inventory as he can''t use his talent right now. Many were shocked to see this happen. After completely storing the corpses, Evan started to withdraw with his summons, thinking that maybe today was enough. But all the hunters came in front of him, and one asked: "Hi, why aren''t these summonses saying anything to you? Are you that necromancer party member or are you using some skill to hide your presence from them?" "Yes, if you did, be prepared to try to steal someone else''s hunt. We will send a notice to the association about you trying to steal someone else''s prey." "Yes, just leave and don''t waste time. We will beat you up and take the corpses of the necromancer who hunted them." Everyone started to blame him for something he didn''t do. Evan just sighed as the summons, which were standing still, pointed their swords, ready to attack. But not at Evan, but at all the hunters there. "Are you all satisfied, or do you need something else to prove that these are my summons?" Evan said in a cold voice as many who doubted that Evan was the necromancer got their answer. They decided to head outside and call their guilds to recruit this genius who could summon many summonses for such a long duration on such low level. Evan walked away with his summons while people stared at him as he went. "I thought he was an archer by his bow and quiver. But is he really a high-grade Necromancer? Maybe he doesn''t need a conductor to enhance his power like other mages." "Then what should be his class rank: S... no, A at least to begin with. His future is limitless." Hunters said as they saw him leaving the grounds and saw all his skeletons disappear instantly at the same time. "Wow, look, he even that legendary skill, summon storage, to store his skeleton." They said, not realizing what had actually happened was that all the skeletons'' duration had ended, and they disappeared from existence, this time the ashes were not present for some reason. As the legendary rumor of the A or high-rank Necromancer began spread by some misunderstanding, all the guilds were tracking the hunter just after getting the news, and all schools conducted data searches in which all Necromancers were listed, but no one was above B rank. Even the B rank who was chosen as a suspect was not the one, as he was already inside guild, and at the time when the prodigy was seen, the B rank Necromancer was in a different place. While Evan was out from the list due to his class rank of D. But the guild which had the Necromancer faced huge pressure for this, but the information also dispersed that pressure. As all of DC-23 city was getting news about the Necromancer,while Evan carefree and unloading all the corpses at the butcher shop to sell them after the plunder effect. Meanwhile, Lucas, was inside his house, also heard the news of the prodigy Necromancer as his plan was to try and recruit him to his team. Even some high-ranking Guild were getting involved in this for a guy who wasn''t even aware of it. ] He looked at the upgrade and found his vitality and endurance increasing as his body started to resemble someone who had just taken a sauna bath. His whole-body skin turned red and remained so for a few minutes before it started to fade. The reason for this was that both his stats had reached the Red spectrum, causing a sudden increase in both stats simultaneously. Even a body cannot handle such pressure from a sudden strength unless it is godly one. Now, only his intelligence stat lagged behind, but even that would catch up if he used his unassigned stats. However, not right now, as his body had just undergone a change, and he could not afford to inflict more harm on it, especially since his soul was damaged. Yes, his soul had been damaged when he traveled to this world in accident. He was lucky to survive, but his situation was not good either now, though could manage. ''Thank god, that attendant didn''t appear while my body was changing,'' he said as he observed the attendant with a smile, followed by someone trailing behind. He hadn''t seen him before, but to come here without any permission, must be a worker or attendant like him. "Sorry for the delay, sir. Here is my manager, who also wishes to see such a significant seller of bodies, so he couldn''t resist and came here with me." Evan just awkwardly nodded as he did not need some fortuitous encounter like the male lead, who got connections to ascend to higher stages. He did not require such a thing as he wouldn''t be staying in Ceruleth for long time after eliminating all the sent protagonists to this world. "Hello, sir, I am the manager of this branch of Deepdelve Butchery. I am here to facilitate this transaction smoothly and ensure no issues arise in the trade." "So, you have 61 Boars and 13 Stags, which is impressive, but where is your team leader, or are you the one who led them? Just asking because it''s hard to believe that a single can hunt them all, beside no hunter is allowed to come inside solo so please tell me the team of the hunters you''re part of." The manager spoke as he examined the neatly cleaned corpse. "Oh no, I am a solo hunter and a necromancer, so you don''t have to worry. To prove that I am a solo hunter, here is my ID card issued by the association and the Solo wolf mark for solo hunting permission," Evan said, showing his ID. When the manager heard the class name Necromancer, his ears perked up instantly, having heard rumors about a prodigy necromancer. He became suspicious that this kid might be the one, but when he saw Evan''s class grade, his excitement and suspicion vanished instantly, as the rank was merely D, whereas the rumored prodigy was at least A. Nonetheless, the large number of corpses did arouse some suspicion. However, he said nothing and instructed his worker, who nodded and approached Evan to convey the message. "Sir, considering the amount of damage and the high number of corpses, we have decided to buy these boar and stags for 39,000 CP and 46,000 CP each, respectively." "Hmm, but the amount of damage is minimal. I have sold to you before, and the initial trade price your butchery offered was 35,000 CP each for boars and 42,000 CP for stags back then. Now, even though one boar has a maximum cut of three you are still lowering the price. I want 40,000 CP for boars and 48,000 CP for stags. Take it or I will leave, as there are many butcheries that will accept this trade," Evan said, recalling his past transactions and noting the improved condition of the corpses, yet the price offered was still lower than the market rate. "Sir, but..." "No, if you are not giving me the exact price, then let me leave." Evan began to load the corpses into his inventory. "Okay, wait. We will deal at the amount you agreed upon, but listen closely, I have a condition." "What...." "You need to sell your hunted corpses to us every time you hunt, and not just this dungeon but in every dungeon, you hunt," he said, as if this kid really is a proficient hunter who can take bring the same amount every time, then the risk is worthwhile. "Hmmm! Okay, deal, but I need the best deal for all the trade." "Don''t worry, we don''t make deals without any loyalty." Evan nodded as his haggling skills, which he learned from Rose back then, worked and he was able to get a little more profit than usual. "So, sir, if your deal is complete then the estimated price for the boar is 24,40,000 CO, and for the stag, it should be 6,24,000 CP. Totaling both should be... 30,64,000 CP. We can proceed with the transaction outside the dungeon." "Well, don''t forget the promise, sir, and you, carefully complete the transfer outside," the manager as he saw Evan leaving and told the attendant, who just nodded but informed Evan to go outside, and he came in seconds. "Sir, why did you agree to his amount of money? We really gave our best deal and still you gave him much more." "You won''t understand. If what I am thinking is true, then we may have just met the Prodigy Necromancer who is going viral in the city." "Huh, isn''t he a D rank and the class rank of that Genius should be A or S rank at least." "You won''t understand the tricks. Just follow the lead of mine, and maybe we can form some sort of connection with this guy who may someday help us get to the top in the meat industry." The attendant, who heard him, just nodded and went outside toward Evan, who was waiting, and they both left the dungeon. The attendant quickly sent the money to his account via online payment. "Thanks for working with Deepdelve Butchery, sir. Hope we will work together more in the future," the attendant said as he went back inside the dungeon to continue his work, leaving the now Evan dazed, viewing his account details. His current balance was 32,23,063 CP, which was earned in two days, suggesting that his life was going well. However, many things remained a mystery to him. Such as the two items he received from the ten thrones, which disappeared within him, and the new system appearance of the God candidate. The message of an unknown relic and the talents he possessed. His physique vial, which would come in handy in a few days at most, given his progression speed and the effect he would get from it was still unknown. The egg of a companion, whose contents was still unknown until it hatched. While he could still find answers mysteries, the only problem he could solve immediately was where to spend such a vast amount of money. He currently had 3 million in cash, which he couldn''t fully utilize even if he bought tens of armor. He needed to find a way to spend the money, as it didn''t matter much except for the Nexus gold he would receive in Prime Nexus. As he pondered and looked around, got an idea that seemed worthwhile and wouldn''t regret spending money on. He took out his phone, searched for something, and found three places in need of money. He took a taxi to the first place. His destination was quite different from other areas, as an old-looking big building stood in front, with many children playing in the small garden. The place he arrived at was an orphanage where children who lost their parents in monster raids were raised. He also remembered that in his past life, he had struggled a lot before awakening, much like these kids. These types of orphanages were mostly run by associations to help young children until they reached eighteen years of age and even provided a free awakening trial. If awakened, then good, but if not, life is a living hell for them. Deep in thought, Evan stepped through the door, catching the attention of every child in room. Their eyes fell on him and instantly scattered in fear¡ªEvan''s appearance was far from reassuring. His clothes were stained with blood, and he still wore his armor and mask. To the children, he looked like a villain. Sighing, Evan made his way into the building and approached one of the caretakers to inquire about director or head of management of the orphanage. The caretakers, though trembling slightly, feared something bad was to unfold. Still, despite their apprehension, they led him to the office, where Director had already been informed of his presence. "Hello, sir. I am here to do something," Evan began "Hello, but let me make it clear¡ªwe have no interest in illegal dealings or selling this place. If you continue to pressure us, we will report you to the association," the Director replied sternly. "Huh, it seems there''s been a misunderstanding, sir I am not here for anything. I am here to donate some cash." "Then you''re not with that guild trying to seize our land to build their here?" "No, not at all. I don''t even know about them. I wish to donate funds I find excessive handle. Rest assured, it''s legal." After explaining his intentions, Evan endured further questioning before the Director finally accepted his offer. "Thank you for this donation. Our orphanage was in dire need of substantial funds to repair and renovate the premises as the risk of accidents has risen significantly due to the building''s age," the Director shared, providing the account details for the donation. "Oh, no problem! If this modest amount can help you renovate the building and bring happiness to the children, I''m glad to contribute," Evan said he transferred the money into the account. The director expected the donor to give ten thousand or at most fifty thousand to show his sincerity. But instead, he received a total of five hundred thousand, which made his hands shake and his eyes blur. He asked, "Sir, maybe you sent 500,000 by mistake instead of 50,000 CP." "Oh, don''t worry, sir. There isn''t any mistake. I am donating that much. So just renovate the building. You all are much higher for taking care of traumatized kids who need help to overcome their pain and suffering, which is greater than killing monsters in a dungeon, where this money came from and if not used well then just going to be waste," Evan said as he left the room and went outside to the next two orphanages. Many caretakers and older children came to the director''s office to check if he was okay. They expected him to react like he had in previous situations. "Sir, are you alright? Who was that guy? Is he from the same guild that wants our orphanage land? But don''t worry, we won''t back down without a fight. Today we will report it to the association." "No, you don''t have to. That guy wasn''t a bad person but rather a very kind man who knows the suffering of the kids and us, as if he had gone all of this by his eyes. He came here to donate, and not a measly amount like those fakes who try to look big by donating pennies, but a genuinely good person with a very big heart," director said. He didn''t say more and told them to leave. What he felt was a cry of happiness for the help he received from the unknown passerby who helped their almost closed orphanage and brought new hope for the kids. "Oh God, may this kind person never any as long as he lives," he prayed. Little did he know that the little big or small donation yet significant kindness. Evan showed would bring about a change in all three orphanages he donated to. As spies observed, they saw Evan with the same mask everyone saw in the dungeon, now at the orphanage. This caused all guilds and associations to go wild, checking the list of all orphaned hunters who came from the orphanage. Assumptions were made that the Prodigy was also an orphan. Meanwhile, unaware of the commotion, Evan stepped out of the taxi, after visiting all three orphanages to donate, full of tiredness. He spent 1.5 million CP in one day, yet felt no guilt or sadness; instead, he felt at peace with what he had done. As stood in front of his house, he began to climb the apartment stairs to his floor. He was lost in thoughts about the reactions of orphanage upon receiving the money. One was shocked, while the other two very happy and even offered him a cup tea, despite judging him bad by his appearance, just a moment ago. Evan smiled slightly over the things happened today and went to his room to rest from the exhaustion of the dungeon and the day''s activities. After putting away his armor and clothes, he took a bath to remove the dirt and blood of the monsters. Once he changed into new clothes, he fell onto his bed and went to sleep, while a new uproar was brewing in the city. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Many guilds showed interest in the orphanages, sending large donations to establish good connections with the necromancer and attempting to obtain his details in exchange for the money. However, the orphanages provided no information. No one agreed to reveal anything about him, not even a tiny bit. Even the bank details from which the money came were deleted, preventing anyone from trying to hack and discover their benefactor Even the main donors, CGA, were unable to obtain any information as the race to find the Necromancer fell into the hands of high-ranking officials like the Branch Manager, Vice Manager, and Guildmaster, nothing was discovered, as even the appraisal was not working on the Necromancer. Unbeknownst to Evan, he was scanned multiple times, yet nothing was found about him. The sole reason for this to happen was his sympathy, Evan felt towards the children who lost their parents. He could empath due to his second life as an orphan as well his life on Blue planet. While he was still an orphan this life, his situation was not as dire as before. But for how long and to what extent his life would remain good, no one knows, as danger could loom from anywhere at any time. ] [Stats Absorbed] +199 STR | +196 AGL | +187 STA | +234 INT | +194 VIT | +218 END [Skills Acquired] Leap ¡Á46 Mighty Roar ¡Á23 Meteor Dash ¡Á1 Seismic Rupture ¡Á1 [Skill Integration & Upgrades] Leap (Lv.16^) Mighty Roar (Lv.8^) Meteor Dash (Lv.4^) [System Notice] [Unsuitable Skills Disintegrated] 150 Skill Fragments generated (75^). [Plunder Restriction Notice] That was the total plunder he did in these past days, included two new skills and two upgraded ones. His EEP points reached about 2862 from the hunt alone, with total of 4912. His level already ready to reach Lv.51 because his undead army was very master in hunting. Even in the battle against two mini bosses, it took them twenty-thirty minutes to finish them, with little help from Evan due to the skills he learned after reaching Lv.30. And was it; he didn''t any more skills like everyone had said. Even after reaching Lv.50, he didn''t gain that class special skill, which can be acquired by probability and increases with the grade of the class. For example, F class has a 1% chance, E has 3%, D has 15%, C has 40%, B has 65%, has 80%, S has 90%, while and SSS have 99 and 100% chance to awaken them, but he didn''t awaken any in all his three classes. He wasn''t sad or anything, as he knew this was bound to happen. Nonetheless, he was much stronger than most hunters who have awakened the skill as his stats had reached +3 Red stat spectrum, which only be attainable by with SS or SSS class at Lv.50. Classes S can achieve it within Lv.60-70. Thus, he can now take down Lucas, who was at Lv.33 since he hadn''t raided the dungeon for almost four days because his two girls didn''t let him. Another thing that happened while he was hunting was the increasing craze for the Prodigy hunter, who was hunting down massively. Many low-rank Necromancers were trying to imitate him to get into big guilds, as some global guilds were even trying to reach out to him. But no was able to discover that lowly D rank Necromancer they were excluding every time was the one they were searching for. Even if they tried to find him using appraisal, they would not be able see through him. Now let''s focus on Evan''s growth as he rapidly ascended towards his goal. His status changed completely as his stats and skills were off the chart. He also upgraded his armor and his Ember Fang to Erith rank items as his talent was causing issues with this equipment. ================== "Nexus Prime System" ¡ó Name: Evan Ravencall ¡ó Race: Human (100%) ¡ó Age: 18 ¡ó Title: [Limit Breaker] ¡ó Rank: Tier 0 ¡ó Level: 50 [11,473 / 15,000 EXP] ¡ó Class: - Necromancer Apprentice (D) - Mage (E) - Weapon Master (F) - Blacksmith (B) [????] - Alchemist (S) [????] - Rune Enchanter (S!) [????] ¡ó Talent: - [Plunder] (?) - [Infinite Evolution & Enchantment] (?) - [Supreme Adaptation] (?) - [Transcendent Body] (?) [????] - [Replica of Halo of Luck ########] (?) [????] "Core Stats" ¡ô HP: 3,060 ¡ô MP: 3,240 ¡ô Strength (STR):57 ¡ô Agility (AGL):61 ¡ô Vitality (VIT):06 ¡ô Intelligence (INT):24 ¡ô Endurance (END):30 ¡ô Stamina (STA):07 ¡ô Unassigned Stats:300 ¡ô Attack Power:862 | 486 ¡ô Defense:637 + 160 "Abilities" ? [Elemental Manipulation] (SSS) Fire (E) [7.23%] Earth (E) [4.76%] Lightning (F) [65.09%] Ice (F) [0%] ? [Skills] Passive:, Active:, , ? [Class Skills] Necromancer:, , , , Mage:, , , Weapon Master:, , , "Inventory" [Unknown Vial] {Tier: Unknown} (Rank: None) [Mysterious Egg] {Tier: 0} (Rank: None) [Unknown Bloodline Vial] {Tier: Unkown} (Rank: Unknown) [The Broken Ring of Loyalty] {Tier: 2, Broken} (Rank: N/A) [Phantomshroud Vestments, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Ignis, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Stormrend, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Shadowpiercer, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Nightpiercer, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) [Duskguard, +3] {Tier: 0} (Rank: Erith) ================== The most significant changes in his stats were his abilities and skills. His stats had reached the 3 stat Red, with two already on the verge of reaching the next realm of +4. His elemental ability, which he initially did not use much, became something he began to utilize, as leaving behind an SSS rank grade ability was not wise. However, despite grinding all day at home, in dungeons, or anywhere else, he was unable to increase it much higher. His fire and earth elements were the only ones to reach E rank. On the fourth day, while trying out his spark skill from the mage class, he was able to understand and use the lightning element. To even use the element, he had to try out his spark skill multiple times. After gaining insight into the lightning element, he was finally able to use it more frequently in battle. He could now cover his blade or arrow with it, easily giving his enemies a paralysis or shock effect. His other elements were on different levels, as he could now manipulate and manifest them much more easily compared to when they were at F rank. The equipment he received from the association was also much better than before, and with Darian''s help, he was able to get a discount on the items he traded with him. His attitude towards Evan was quite positive, and perhaps he might get help dealing with some issues related to Lucas to the conflict between the two. ===== Armor: Phantomshroud Vestments (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: Light Armor (Robe & Cloak) Durability:1,185/1,200 Weight:Light Defense:160 Description: A set of dark, rune-threaded vestments infused with the lingering essence of nocturnal spirits. Woven from abyssal silk and reinforced with shadow-forged plating, this armor is designed for mages and archers who prioritize agility and survivability. The fabric subtly shifts like a living mist, making the wearer difficult to perceive in low light. Effects: Veil of Shadows+ ¡ú Slightly bends light around the wearer, making them harder to detect in dim environments. Ethereal Resilience+ ¡ú Increases resistance to elemental attacks by 8% and reduces physical damage taken by 5%. Ghoststep+ ¡ú Enhances movement fluidity, allowing the wearer to evade attacks with greater ease while maintaining minimal noise. Netherbound Weave (New) ¡ú The armor briefly absorbs residual mana from nearby spellcasting, momentarily enhancing the wearer''s magic. __ Weapon: Ignis (Tier 0, Erith Rank) [+3] Type: Single-Edged Sword (Medium) Durability:1,453/1,500 Weight:Medium-Light Attack Power:190 Description: Forged from Infernal Obsidium and tempered in the heart of a slumbering volcano, is a blade that embodies both precision and devastation. Its molten-red edge flickers like dying embers, and each swing leaves behind a shimmering heatwave. Though deceptively light, every strike carries the weight of a burning inferno, capable of scorching through armor and flesh alike. Effects: Blazing Rend+ ¡ú Each slash ignites a minor lingering flame, dealing continuous burn damage over a short duration. Infernal Acceleration+ ¡ú The blade heats up in combat, increasing swing speed and cutting efficiency as fights drag on. Heatwave Surge+ ¡ú By channeling built-up energy, the next attack releases a short-ranged wave of heat, staggering enemies. Pyre Requiem (New) ¡ú On defeating an enemy, the sword briefly erupts in flames, empowering the next strike with devastating explosive force. ===== The new items he acquired included mage-type armor and a sword with a low flame element which was almost non-existent after the enchantment. He spent a total of 800,000 for both, as the sword had a high price due to its elemental effect blade, while the armor was highly popular among mages and archers. Both items were quite suitable for him. He even tore apart the chainmail from his previous armor, thinking it might be useful later, but it turned out to be waste material. He discarded it and sighed on his foolishness and greed in trying gain something valuable from the waste. His skills, which were lacking before, had now improved significantly in rank due to constant practice, and he found that he could easily increase them now. Even the new skill he gained was able to increase very easily, as if some restriction had been lifted, as he grew stronger. ==== Skill: Necrotic Surge (Lv.7) Type: Active | Support Cooldown: 18 seconds Mana Cost: 40 MP Proficiency: 32% Description: Through refined control over necrotic energy, your summoned undead are further enhanced, growing more aggressive and durable in battle. The surge now lingers longer, reinforcing their decayed forms with greater resilience and deadlier strikes. Effects: Necrotic Strength ¡ú Increases summoned undead Attack Power by 15% for 8 seconds. Reinforced Husk ¡ú Reduces incoming damage by 10% for the duration. Unnatural Speed ¡ú Grants a 7% boost to undead movement speed. Lurking Decay (New) ¡ú Successful undead attacks now apply a minor decay effect, slightly reducing enemy Defense (-3%) for 3 seconds. __ Skill: Withering Grasp (Lv.2) Type: Active | Control Cooldown: 14 seconds Mana Cost: 30 MP Proficiency: 9% Description: A spectral hand wreathed in necrotic energy emerges, latching onto the target and sapping their vitality. The grasp weakens the enemy''s movements, while its decaying energy lingers briefly, leaving them vulnerable. Effects: Necrotic Bind ¡ú Restricts the target''s movements slightly for 1.5 seconds. Withering Touch ¡ú Reduces the target''s Strength and Agility by 7% for 6 seconds. Lingering Decay ¡ú Slightly reduces target''s Health Regeneration (-5%) for 5 seconds. __ His new skill significantly boosts his summons power. Imagine 40 skeletons overpowering the mini boss with the effect of the skill empowerment; it can be overwhelming. Moreover, his other skills also increased his effectiveness. __ Skill: Undead Summon (Lv. 11) Type: Active | Summoning Mana Cost: 80 MP Cooldown: 10 seconds Proficiency: 62% Description: Summons an improved undead minion to serve the caster. The undead will fight until destroyed or dismissed, and its strength now scales better with the caster. The summoned creature depends on the user''s Necromancer class progression and available materials. Summon Type: Skeleton Warrior (Advanced Tier, Tier 0) Duration: 150 minutes or until destroyed. Stats: Health: 85% of the caster''s max health (+10% per level). Strength: 80% of the caster''s Strength (+5% per level). Agility: 80% of the caster''s Agility (+5% per level). Defense: 70% of the caster''s Defense (+5% per level). Additional Upgrades: Lesser Battle Instincts ¡ú The summon reacts faster in combat and can anticipate enemy movements slightly. Command Execution ¡ú Can now follow multiple chained commands (e.g., defend, retreat, ambush). Dark Resilience ¡ú Further increases resistance against dispel and exorcism-type effects. Bone Reinforcement ¡ú The skeleton''s frame is sturdier, making it harder to destroy through brute force alone. __ Skill: Bone Fang Strike (Lv. 8) Type: Active | Offensive Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 24 MP Cooldown: 8 seconds Proficiency: 54% Description: Summon a sharpened, reinforced fang of bone infused with potent dark energy. This enhanced strike delivers devastating damage, piercing through defenses with increased efficiency. Upon impact, the bone fang shatters into deadly fragments, causing prolonged internal damage. Damage: Physical Damage: 80% of the caster''s physical attack (+5% per level). Dark Magic Damage: 80% of the caster''s magic attack (+5% per level). Effects: Piercing: Ignores 20% of the target''s defense. (+2% per level) Bone Harvest (Passive): Recovers 20% of the mana cost if the skill kills the target. (+2% per level) Shattered Fangs: Bone fragments now remain embedded in the enemy, causing 10% of the initial damage over 5 seconds. Cursed Splinters: Enemies affected by the splintered bones suffer 5% reduced healing for 10 seconds. __ Skill: Shadow Bolt (Lv. 10) Type: Active | Offensive Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 38 MP Cooldown: 6.2 seconds Proficiency: 77% Description: Unleash a refined bolt of highly concentrated shadow energy at a target, dealing devastating dark magic damage. This empowered version of Shadow Bolt has a significantly increased chance to inflict Shadow Bind, restricting the target''s movements for a longer duration. Additionally, each successful hit destabilizes the target''s mana flow, making spellcasting slightly more difficult. Damage: Dark Magic Damage: 150% of the caster''s magic attack (+5% per level). Effects: Shadow Bind: Reduces the target''s movement speed by 50% for 5 seconds (Infliction chance: 55%). (+5% chance per level) Lingering Shadows: If the target is successfully bound, they take 10% additional dark damage from all sources during the effect duration. Mana Disruption: The target''s mana regeneration is reduced by 10% for 6 seconds. __ Skill: Necrotic Aura (Lv. 14) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 73% Description: Your presence emanates a more potent aura of death, significantly empowering undead allies while subtly draining the vitality and resilience of living creatures within its radius. The aura grows stronger as the wielder''s connection to necrotic energy deepens, passively enhancing the effectiveness of summoned and controlled undead. Effects: Undead Empowerment: Increases the Attack and Defense of undead under your control by 20%. Increases their Stamina and Health Regeneration by 5%. Living Debilitation: Living creatures within a 12-meter radius suffer from: Stamina Recovery Reduction:-10%. Health Recovery Reduction:-5%. Minor Strength and Agility Suppression:-3% (Effect applies for 5 seconds after leaving the aura). Aura Growth: Every 30 seconds a living enemy stays within the aura, they suffer an additional 1% stamina drain (stacks up to 5 times). __ Skill: Weak Curse (Lv. 9) Type: Active Cooldown: 10 seconds Mana Cost: 28 MP Proficiency: 56% Description: A more refined curse that weakens the target''s physical and magical attributes for a longer duration. While still a lesser curse, its potency has increased, making it a valuable tool for softening enemies before engaging in combat or summoning reinforcements. The effect now lingers slightly, leaving residual weakness even after the curse ends. Effects: Curse of Weakness: Reduces the target''s Strength and Agility by 12% for 14 seconds. Upon expiration, a lingering effect reduces Strength and Agility by 4% for an additional 5 seconds. Diminished Resistance: Reduces the target''s Defense by 12% for 14 seconds. Upon expiration, residual energy lingers, reducing Defense by 4% for 5 seconds. Weakened Vitality (New Effect): Reduces Stamina Regeneration by 10% for 10 seconds. __ Skill: Arcane Bolt (Lv. 2) Type: Active Mana Cost: 16 MP Cooldown: 5.8 seconds Proficiency: 35% Description: A refined version of the basic Arcane Bolt, now packing slightly more power and efficiency. The bolt retains its homing capabilities but has increased speed, making it harder to evade. Ideal for consistent damage and securing kills on weakened foes. Damage: Magic Damage: 83% of the caster''s magic attack. __ Skill: Mana Shield (Lv. 3) Type: Active Cooldown: 11.5 seconds Mana Cost: 38 MP (initial activation) Proficiency: 51% Description: A strengthened version of the Mana Shield, further refining its efficiency in damage absorption. The shield now lasts slightly longer and has improved energy conversion, making it more reliable in prolonged battles. Effect: Damage Absorption: Converts 1 point of damage into 1.8 mana consumption. Shield Capacity: Can absorb damage equal to 55% of the caster''s maximum mana before breaking. Duration:11 seconds or until depleted. __ Skill: Magical Focus (Lv. 10) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 23% Description: Through continuous refinement of magical concentration, the user has greatly enhanced their spellcasting efficiency. Spells now flow with heightened accuracy, faster execution, and improved control, allowing for more precise and devastating attacks. Effects: Skill Precision: +12% accuracy with all skills. Focus Boost: -18% casting time. Mana Flow Control: Minor improvement in mana efficiency, reducing mana cost of spells by 4%. __ Skill: Spark (Lv. 5) Type: Active Cooldown: 4.2 seconds Mana Cost: 14 MP Proficiency: 68% Description: A refined electric spell that discharges a faster and more potent bolt of lightning at a single target. The intensity of the attack has increased, improving both its damage and its ability to disrupt enemies in combat. Effects: Lightning Strike: 50% of the caster''s magic attack. Shock: 15% chance to stun the target for 1.2 seconds. Arc Discharge: The bolt has a 10% chance to jump to a nearby enemy (within 2 meters), dealing 25% of the original damage. __ Skill: Power Slash (Lv. 6) Type: Active Cooldown: 8.2 seconds Mana Cost: 22 MP Proficiency: 86% Description: A refined, forceful slash that channels immense strength into a single strike, delivering heavy physical damage to all enemies in its path. The strike now generates a pressure wave, slightly extending its reach and improving its ability to break defenses. Effects: Cleave Damage: 160% of the user''s physical attack. Shockwave: Deals 40% of the original damage to enemies within 1.5 meters of the slash''s path. __ Skill: Quick Swap (Lv. 4) Type: Active Cooldown: 4.2 seconds Mana Cost: 6 MP Proficiency: 33% Description: A refined technique that allows the user to swap between equipped weapons with near-instant precision. The transition is now smoother, reducing downtime between attacks and enabling seamless weapon-based combos. Effects: Weapon Swap: Instantly switches between the user''s currently equipped weapons (melee, ranged, or magic) with no delay. Speed Boost: Reduces weapon switch time by 80%.Swap Flow: Upon swapping, gain a 5% attack speed bonus for 3 seconds. __ Skill: Basic Battle Instinct (Lv. 10) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 100% Description: Through rigorous training and battle experience, the user''s instinct has sharpened, allowing them to react swiftly to incoming attacks. This enhanced awareness aids in dodging, parrying, and predicting enemy movements with greater accuracy. Effects: Reaction Speed: +15% increased reaction speed to attacks. Threat Awareness: +15% chance to avoid basic attacks. Combat Readiness: Reduces the penalty of being caught off-guard by 25%. Instinctive Adaptation: If the user dodges or parries an attack, their next attack gains 3% increased accuracy and speed for 3 seconds. __ Skill: Weapon Proficiency (Passive) (Lv. 9) Type: Passive Cooldown: N/A S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Mana Cost: N/A Proficiency: 49% Description: A passive skill that increases the user''s effectiveness with all weapons, providing enhanced accuracy, damage, and speed based on the weapon type currently equipped. Effects: Accuracy Boost: Increases hit chance by 18% with all weapon types (previously 7%). Damage Boost: Increases weapon damage by 25% (previously 12%). Attack Speed Boost: Increases attack speed by 15% (previously 7%). Weapon Proficiency: Sword Proficiency ¡ú B [12%] Hand-to-Hand Proficiency ¡ú D [36%] Bow Proficiency ¡ú C [76%] Spear Proficiency ¡ú D [99%] Shield Proficiency ¡ú D [1%] __ Skill: Blade of the Tempest (Lv. 3) Type: Passive Tier: 0 Proficiency: 43% Description: Each melee attack carries the force of the wind, granting an increasing chance to release a cutting wind blade that slashes enemies from a distance. The wind blade moves swiftly, dealing additional damage while ignoring minor obstacles. Effects: Activation Chance:8% per melee attack. Wind Blade Range:4 meters. Wind Blade Damage:40% of weapon''s base attack power. __ While his poison resistance skill was same as no poisonous monster was available in the dungeon. __ Skill: Shadow Leap (Lv. 6) Type: Active Skill Mana Cost: 40 MP Cooldown: 9.5 seconds Proficiency: 12% Description: Harness the agility of shadows to leap up to 18 meters, closing the gap between you and your target with enhanced speed and precision. This swift movement allows for fluid combat maneuvers, striking with greater force upon landing while enhancing follow-up attacks. Effects: Leap Strike: Instantly closes the distance, dealing +35% of Base Attack damage upon impact. Shadow Momentum: Increases attack power by 10% for the next attack within 4 seconds. Shadow Reflex: Grants 5% dodge chance for 3 seconds after landing (). __ Skill: Meteor Dash (Lv. 4) Type: Active Tier: 0 Mana Cost: 35 MP Cooldown: 8.5 seconds Proficiency: 33% Description: Harness explosive momentum to dash forward like a falling meteor, leaving a trail of fiery force in your wake. This ability allows the user to close distances quickly while dealing impact damage to anything in their path. Effects: Meteor Impact: Deals 50% of Physical Attack + 30% of Magic Attack as Fire Damage upon impact. Dash Distance: Up to 14 meters.Flame Trail: Leaves behind a scorching path for 2.5 seconds, dealing 15% of Magic Attack per second to enemies standing in it (). __ Skill: Mighty Roar (Lv. 8) Type: Active Tier: 0 Mana Cost: 50 MP Cooldown: 15 seconds Proficiency: 11% Description: Unleash a thunderous roar that shakes the battlefield, bolstering allies and intimidating foes. The sheer force of the roar disrupts enemy focus while reinforcing the strength of those who fight alongside you. Effects: Battle Cry: Increases Physical Attack and Defense by 20% for 8 seconds. Fear Shockwave: Enemies within 8 meters suffer -15% Attack Power and -10% Movement Speed for 6 seconds. __ Skill: Seismic Rupture (Lv. 2) Type: Active Tier: 0 Mana Cost: 35 MP Cooldown: 12 seconds Proficiency: 01% Description: Stomp the ground with immense force, sending out a shockwave that fractures the earth, destabilizing enemies and dealing damage in a small area. The tremor disrupts enemy footing, making them vulnerable for follow-up attacks. Effects: Shockwave Impact: Deals 80% of Physical Attack as Earth-type damage in a 3-meter radius. Tremor: Affected enemies suffer -10% Movement Speed for 4 seconds. Disruptive Force:5% chance to briefly stagger enemies, interrupting their current action (). -- Chapter 132: Ember Caverns & Physique Awakening. After a day of rest, Evan finally decided to use the Vial he had acquired from the Ten Thrones. He was eager to use it and kill Lucas, as leaving him unchecked would only complicate matters further. First, he decided to send the money leaving some he considered surplus for himself. He used the previous account details he had from before to transfer the funds. He sent two million each, as his army of dead (still small though) was very proficient in earning money, leaving him with only one million CP for his own use. He then started to head toward the CGA, reasoning that if he used the Vial elsewhere and something went wrong, he would be in a precarious situation. If he lost consciousness and someone found him, his secrets or his life could be at risk. To mitigate this, he chose to use the Vial inside a dungeon, as after defeating all the monsters there, he could use it without any concern. After checking everything in his inventory, he headed outside, closing the door behind him. He went downstairs and took a ride to the CGA, where the atmosphere remained unchanged. Hunters were moving back and forth between the hunter market and the association building, with many officials managing them. He quickly headed toward the building and entered it. Maybe his luck was particularly bad today, as the first person he encountered was none other than Lucas, who was accompanied by his two girls, Ilya and Tess. However, there was something: a new person had joined their team, a boy at that. He appeared quite unremarkable for his looks, but the only distinguishing feature was a sword almost as tall as he was, strapped to his back. He must be the new crew member Lucas had recruited using his cheat. He backed away slightly into the crowd to avoid being seen and even altered his status to evade notice. Surely, this guy was using his Dragon Eye to scan other teams. After waiting for some time, he finally left and approached the desk where the line was relatively short. He reached the front of the desk on his first attempt and saw a female attendant. He remembered that Lucas must have come here before. "Hello, sir, how can I help you today?" "Hello, I am a D-rank Necromancer, Lv.41, and I am here to find an available dungeon for hunting." He said while altering his status to look like that. "Okay, sir, but where is your team? We did not allow hunters to hunt solo without permission." "Oh, don''t worry, I have the necessary permission." He said as he took out his ID and showed it to her, which bore the Wolf mark. She instantly recognized it and was shocked to see such low-grade individual possessing such a mark so easily. "Oh, you have the qualifications to enter. Let me see if there are any dungeons suitable for you." She went to her computer and began checking the dungeon list within that range. After some time, she returned with a professional smile and said, "Yes, sir, there is a dungeon ''The Ember Caverns.'' Do you wish to raid it?" "Yes, so is it ready to raid, or do I have to wait?" "No, you can raid instantly, no need to wait," she said as she typed something on her computer and handed over his ID. He started to move toward the dungeon area where the dungeon was located. He searched around and found the dungeon that was mentioned to him. The dungeon emitting a little heat energy from it. He came closer it and was ready to dive in when an official came and stopped him. "What are you doing, boy? Can''t you see that the dungeon is in a high danger state mutation period? Are you trying to commit suicide?" "Huh I don''t know anything about that, but I got registered to raid it, so I was just going inside thinking that this was normal." "Huh, what? But the association was told not to register anyone for this dungeon. Then why did they do it? Hold on, let me check the problem. He said as he went a little distance away to check, but he didn''t see what was happening behind his back. After checking, he was about to tell the guy to head back and take another dungeon when he saw no one standing behind him. He was confused and shocked, in quick succession as he approached the gate and attempted to enter, but was deflected, indicating that someone was already inside. "Hahh! This fool is going to jeopardize my job." He immediately took out his phone and dialed a number. "Hello, Manager, there is a problem here...." Meanwhile, inside the dungeon, Evan appeared at the entrance of a cave emitting a tremendous amount of hot wind. He quickly understood why it was called Ember Caverns, as the intense heat justified its name. He swiftly equipped his items and began to proceed inside. The dungeon was designed for use by Level 40 to 50 hunters, with three types of monsters available for hunting. The first was the normal monster, Ember Lizard, while the second was the elite monster found in the deeper parts of the Cavern, called Blaze Sentinel, which are large and sturdy-looking lizards. The third and final monster is the boss, known as Flame Serpent, the ruler of the Caverns, commanding all the lizards and Sentinels as their lord. He ventured inside, as many hunters would not be able to withstand such heat, but Evan was different. His Elemental Manipulation ability provided him with elemental resistance as his proficiency in the element increased. That is why he chose this dungeon, as fire would not harm him much. He continued to move forward until he finally heard some noises approaching him. He stopped and prepared to attack as he finally saw his targets. A group of six Ember Lizards was moving toward him with furious looks. He got ready just as they were within his range, and before they could react, the ground below them began to shake as six spikes made of earth pierced through their bodies like butter cut by a hot knife. They tried to struggle, but it was futile. They took their last breaths, leaving their bodies as souls stuck at the spikes. It was a small application Evan practiced in his Earth manipulation ability, which he had honed in the past few days. [You''ve slain 6¡Á EmberLizard (Lv.42-44), you''ve gained 2,060 (Less EXP for higher level gap).] [13,533/15,000] [] He placed the lizards into his inventory and continued to head further inside. After many hours of walking, fighting, and finding various paths, he finally reached his destination. The core area where the boss resided. He took so much time to reach here because he searched around all the area to kill every monster in here. The heat emanating from the area was almost unbearable, even for him who had become quite strong. He checked his status, noting he was already above Lv.54 after numerous battles. His EXP was now close to leveling up to Lv.55, needing only a few thousand points. [13,626/17,000] Behind him was his trusted army of bones which he dismissed to look at the situation first. Throughout his journey, he had been finding and killing all the monster splitters in the area, as it was necessary to complete his objective. The only thing he had not done yet was using plunder on all of them, as he intended to use it in bulk, finding it more effective than using it individually. Without further thought, he proceeded inside and saw the boss lying on the floor, surrounded by pits of lava indicating that the caverns were part of volcano. The core area was the primary source of heat, from which the boss monster drew strength and grew in potential too. His scales were glowing in red color due to the continuous absorption of heat. The serpent opened its eyes after sensing someone and looked at Evan standing before him. It became enraged, assuming that if a human was present, its guards and followers must have fallen by his hands. Its head lifted into the air as a massive heat aura erupted from its body, mingling with the volcanic heat. The effect was so intense that even Evan struggled to withstand it and had to use his Earth element to guard himself. He formed a wall in front of him to stop the aura of heat radiating towards him. Before he could do anything, the serpent collided with the earth wall, destroying it in seconds. Evan quickly used his Shadow Leap skill to escape. He appeared ten meters away from the serpent, which found him and lunged at him again. Evan was ready and instantly used the Earth element to attack, but the serpent agility allowed it to dodge all the spikes. Realizing that fighting this way would futile, Evan devised a new strategy. He quickly summoned fifteen skeletons using his Undead Summon skills. He then rapidly used his other skills before the serpent could reach him. "{NecroticSurge} {WeakCurse} {WitheringGrasp} {MightyRoar} {ShadowBolt}." He used these abilities to enhance his undead powers and weaken the serpent. While shooting a bolt which he dodged with a single scratch on his face which didn''t inflict the effect. Instantly, the aura radiating from the undead, while the serpent''s speed, power, and defense were significantly reduced for a few minutes. With the serpent weakened, the undead took the chance to attack it head-on. Evan didn''t just watch; he repeatedly used his bow, infusing arrow tips with the Lightning element to inflict damage and debuff. His Necrotic aura was reducing the damage and stamina of the serpent while healing his summons slightly, which was sufficient. As the serpent found himself outnumbered, He instantly backed away a little, but the Skeletons didn''t give him any time to retreat. Under pressure, he used his skill without even half need of it. Instantly, a burst of flame erupted from him, throwing all the skeleton against wall of the cave. The wheel of fire didn''t stop, healing even the wounds inflicted by the skeletons rapidly in the flames. Evan got confused as such a level of recovery was impossible with external help. He looked around and found all the heat from the volcano heading toward the boss. He instantly recognized the issue and used his earth element to cover all the holes in the ground. The holes were closed immediately, stopping the heat energy from the volcano and reducing the boss''s healing. He then used his fire element to blow away the flame layer covering the boss, who was puzzled by the sudden stop in healing. As he realized his skill had stopped, he saw the summons coming toward him. He quickly used his tail to swipe the skeletons away, but their power wasn''t insignificant. Their master had +3 Strength and agility, so they had 80% of his power. skeletons quickly caught his tail. While the other continued to attack him, Evan decided to the attack, reusing his debuff skills. He quickly disappeared from his place using his shadow leap skill, reappearing above the struggling serpent. The serpent looked up to see the human standing meters away from him suddenly above him. Evan came down rapidly, using his skill to make a combo attack."{Meteor Dash¡ÁSeismic Rupture}" He fell like a comet to burst his opponent. As his kick landed on the serpent''s scales, it easily broke through them as the skin was also ruptured by the skill combo. The area around the kick was also reduced to meat paste by the seismic skill effect... The synchronization of both skills doubled their effect. The serpent cried out in pain as its body was almost divided in half by the attack. But Evan did not stop there to ensure his victory; quickly used his skill to change his weapon and called upon his Storm Rend to execute his final move. "{Power Slash}" Evan used his skill, and a slash formed by the skill from inside out toward the head of the serpent, ripping apart its body with a perfect cut. The serpent was unable to resist and gave away its last breath. Leaving behind its body for Evan to use. Evan, having used many skills in such a short amount of time, fell to the ground as he emerged from the serpent''s body. He looked around and found that the heat radiating was closed off making the cave more suitable to use his Vial. He first decided to plunder all of the monster bodies, and then he decided to use his Vial. He pulled out all of the bodies, which consisted of 46 Ember Lizards, 13 Blazing Sentinels, and finally the Boss of the dungeon, Flame Serpent. "Plunder," he said, as the unknown talent energy materialized and began to hover above all bodies, notifications starting to appear. [ [Stats Absorbed] +37 STR | +46 AGL | +27 STA | +44 INT | +30 VIT | +29 END [Bloodline] - Lesser Wyvern {13%} - Low Drake {6%} - Low Flame Dragon {1.6%} [Skills Acquired] - Blaze Heal ¡Á 1 - Heat Rampage (Passive Skill) ¡Á 1 - Camouflage ¡Á 13 [Skill Integration & Upgrades] Camouflage (Lv.4^) (More efficient in fading into surroundings, increasing stealth.) [System Notice] ) [Unsuitable Skills Disintegrated] 165 Skill Fragments generated (15^). <7.44% ¡ú 36.12%> While this was happening to Evan, his entire body became chaotic, and his temperature rose beyond limits as the fire essence energy took root in his body but when the energy was diverted to his ability, he felt relieved as the heat started to fade, but the true pain came afterward. His knowledge, which had been absorbed to enhance comprehension, caused him extreme pain, as if his head were splitting "Where did that bas*ard candidate find such things to benefit one thing from another? His luck must be exceptional to have such resources. And by the way, remove the bloodline, I don''t need it," Evan said, feeling his control and manifestation level were not low as before, after the increase, which made the pain he endured worthwhile as all bloodlines were ejected. Evan first checked the system information of upgrade and the new skills he had acquired. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [You''ve slain Flame Seprent (Lv.50). You''ve gained 15,000 (¡Á3 Boss Monster, No extra Bonus gained).] [28,626/17,500] [You''ve Leveled up to Lv.55] [11,626/17,500] [You''ve gained 10 Unassigned Points.] [] __ Skill: Blaze Heal (Lv. 1) Type: Active | Tier: 0 Mana Cost: 30 MP | Cooldown: 12 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: A unique regenerative skill adapted from monsters, harnessing the essence of flames to mend wounds. By channeling fire as a source of life rather than destruction, the user''s body burns away injuries, using controlled combustion to accelerate recovery. The hotter the flames, the faster the regeneration. Effects: Flame Regeneration: Restores 20% of the user''s missing HP over 5 seconds. Burn Purification: Burns away minor toxins and infections during healing. Heat Adaptation: Briefly increases fire resistance by 10% for 10 seconds. __ Skill: Heat Rampage (Lv. 1) Type: Passive | Tier: 0 Proficiency: 0% Description: A monstrous adaptation that fuels the user''s strength and resilience in fiery environments. The hotter the surroundings, the greater the boost, allowing the user to thrive in intense heat and turn the battlefield to their advantage. Effects: Blazing Strength: Increases physical and magic attack by 10% in hot or fire-infused areas. Infernal Resilience: Enhances defense by 10% when surrounded by flames or high temperatures. Fireborn Endurance reduces fire damage taken by 5% at all times. __ Skill: Camouflage (Lv. 4) Type: Active | Tier: 0 Mana Cost: 25 MP per second | Cooldown: 5 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: A survival-based skill that allows the user to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them harder to detect. While not true invisibility, this technique bends light and minimizes presence, making it invaluable for stealth, ambushes, or escaping danger. Effects: Environmental Concealment: Reduces visibility and detection by 40% while standing still and 25% when moving. Silent Steps: Lower noise generated from movement by 30%. Predator''s Patience increases the first attack''s critical hit chance by 10% if striking from stealth. __ "Hmm, the skills are not bad for a boss like him who got defeat in less than ten minutes but still thanks for the skills," Evan commented as he viewed the skills description but little did he knew that the boss was in mutated state and even above that, the stat he and his skeletons hold are more than enough to defeat three of them in same time if used correctly. "Then, let''s start the real fun," he said as he moved toward the center of the core room, sat on the ground, and took out a certain vial containing a substance too black to see inside. The vial was extremely cold, and an aura that even gave Evan chills flooded the entire dungeon in seconds. Even the outside of the dungeon wasn''t spared as a deadly aura, un-comprehensible to anyone, began to spread. The whole city was enveloped in seconds as all the higher-ups, Guild-masters, and even the executives of high guilds came to find the Necromancer felt the approaching chill of death. The branch manager and vice manager also experienced the same sensation. No one was able to withstand that aura; mortals and even Tier 4 beings felt the same aura of death, causing many to faint because of it. Even the monsters outside the city were fleeing, but some seemed to have caught a scent of something, which will be explained in later chapters. Evan, who was sitting with the source of this energy, opened the lid of the vial, releasing an eerie energy began to fill the core area. The skeletons he had left to defend against any remaining monsters were suddenly empowered, their strength increasing to match his stats merely from energy aura. Evan was certain it would hurt more if he drank it, but there was no back now. Just as he was about to drink it, a notification appeared before him, heightening his suspicions. [The system has detected that the host is using the gift. Please distribute your unassigned stats to maximize the effect of the gift.] "Okay!" he, following the system advice to secure even a tiny of a life-saving chance "Core Stats" ¡ô HP: 4,200 ¡ô MP:4,410 ¡ô Strength (STR):20 ¡ô Agility (AGL):27 ¡ô Vitality (VIT):20 ¡ô Intelligence (INT):41 ¡ô Endurance (END): 20 ¡ô Stamina (STA):20 ¡ô Unassigned Stats:350 ¡ú 00 ¡ô Attack Power:1016.4 | 661.5 ¡ô Defense:840 + 160 He quickly assigned the stats in an unusual manner to +4 Red stat. Initially, he thought that increasing his vitality might help him survive the situation. After careful consideration, he assigned the stats accordingly. No notification appeared afterward. He then picked up the vial again and observed his summon, which now looked exceedingly bizarre. The bone density and power they emitted were high. He took a deep breath and in one gulp, swallowed the entire contents of the vial, sending it down to his stomach in seconds. At first, he didn''t feel anything, not even the taste, thinking it might be tasteless. However, he soon realized that the reason he couldn''t taste anything was that his tongue and mouth became numb within seconds, losing all sensation. His stomach began to feel cold as time passed. His entire body started to go dormant, but he didn''t fall asleep. He initially thought it might be ice-related element physique but later considered that it could be an undead-related physique. To balance the temperature, he used his fire element to create blazing rings for heat, but nothing worked. He even had his summon crack the earth around the core area where the lava was, but still, nothing worked. His entire body went numb, and he felt powerless. Suddenly something inside him began to break, releasing a burst of unknown energy. His summons, which stood beside him, were destroyed within seconds upon contact. He felt his body again, thinking it might be as good as before. But the real change began after that. His pores, which had been normal until now, started to release a black substance mixed with blood, similar to what he had drunk earlier. He started to feel pain all over his body as like needles were being poked from inside out. It began to cover his entire body. Before he could do anything, he was completely enveloped in the black, tar-like substance and plunged into complete darkness. His body was now encased in a cocoon-like sphere at the core''s center. Anyone attempting to approach him would face death, as the unstable and deadly power forming around him could kill anyone. No one in the dungeon knew how much time had passed, as the dungeon portal did not appear for some unknown reason, possibly delayed by the energy present in the room. Many notifications popped up for Evan, but none reached his view as he was lost in some unknown dimension of his own. A single notification appeared in his mind. [Congratulations, host, you''ve gained the Physique, ##### #######.] -- What did he gain, wish to know then be prepared for next chapter. Chapter 133: Monarch Awakening & New Class Hello, everyone! I hope you enjoy this chapter. ???? I''d love to hear your thoughts¡ªlet me know in the comments if you liked the writing style! I''ve used some tools to refine the structure, but rest assured, the storyline is entirely my own creation. Looking forward to your feedback! ????. __ While the dungeon lay in silence after Evan had completed the raid and used his Vial¡­ Some time ago¡­ Before the dungeon was cleared, an official who had previously tried to stop Evan paced anxiously in front of the barricaded entrance, waiting for someone. The area was secured to prevent anyone from entering or leaving. The kid who had slipped inside against his warnings was still inside, and his condition remained unknown. As the official was about to run a hand through his hair in frustration, a figure suddenly appeared before him at blinding speed. "Oh, Sir Darian! I''m so grateful you came. I fear something terrible is about to happen," the official said urgently. "A kid named Evan Ravencall, who registered to raid this dungeon, entered without knowing about this gate''s high mutation rate. Despite my warnings, he still went in while I was distracted from speaking with another officer. His current status is unknown, and if he does make it out alive, I''m certain the situation will be critical. Please, you have to do something!" Darian, deep in thought, instantly recognized the name. "What? That Evan kid¡­ the necromancer who just got his class a week ago?" "Yes, sir. I have his full details. He''s a Level 41 D-rank Necromancer. He took this gate for a raid without realizing its condition, and even after I advised him not to enter, he ignored me." Darian let out a sigh. "That kid¡­ always causing problems for me. But don''t worry. If he went in solo, then you should know¡ªthose who take on dungeons alone aren''t ordinary hunters. And that boy¡­ he might be in a league above even the strongest solo hunters." He turned to the official with a firm gaze. "Just make sure no one interferes with the formation I''m setting up. Keep other hunters away from it. I''ll handle the rest." With that, he stepped toward the dungeon, which was radiating an immense amount of mana, as if on the verge of a dungeon break. Taking out his book, he began layering formations upon one another, slightly stabilizing the dungeon''s mana. However, the situation was still dire. He could only hope that the kid would clear the dungeon. Otherwise, his family''s benefactor would meet a tragic end today due to his own failure. Nodding to the officer, he turned and left, heading to an urgent meeting in the Branch Manager''s office. Inside, representatives from multiple high-ranking guilds¡ªeven those listed in the global rankings¡ªhad gathered, all vying to recruit the Necromancer Prodigy. They were pressuring Lilia for information on him, but what could she do when even the association branch had no records? Their desperation stemmed from two reasons. First, his exact class rank was unknown¡ªhe could be SS or even SSS rank. But even if he were merely an S-rank Necromancer, such a class was in extreme demand. Necromancers were legions unto themselves, capable of handling Tier 2¡ªno, even Tier 3¡ªmonster raids without sacrificing a single life. Guilds highly valued such hunters, whether for their massive armies of summons or sheer destructive power. Unique S-rank and above-class hunters were treasured assets. However, this Necromancer Prodigy was beyond what they had expected¡ªexcelling in both quality and quantity, while most Necromancers only specialized in one. As the meeting continued, Lilia was repeatedly questioned about the hunter''s identity, though she had no answers to give. Then, without warning, the atmosphere shifted. All tension in the Branch¡ªand even across the city¡ªwas abruptly silenced. The dungeon, which had been on the brink of collapse just hours ago, had calmed. The officer who witnessed it was both stunned and relieved. Not only had the dungeon crisis been resolved, but a low-ranked hunter had cleared it¡ªagainst all odds. But before he could take action or inform Darian of the good news, a sudden burst of aura erupted from the dungeon, engulfing the entire dungeon area. The overwhelming energy spread rapidly, flooding the city center before expanding even further. In an instant, the entire city was blanketed in the aura. Even veteran hunters outside the city¡ªbusy hunting monsters¡ªfelt the suffocating pressure, as though a terrifying monster had awakened within the city itself. Panic set in. All monsters within miles of the city''s outskirts fled in terror, their instincts screaming at them to escape. It was as if they had witnessed death itself. However, amidst the chaos, an unknown danger still lurked in the shadows, its intentions unclear. The Hunter Association, the very pinpoint of the aura''s emergence, was thrown into turmoil. High-ranking hunters, guild masters, and top guild executives¡ªwho had remained passive until now¡ªsprang into action. Their destination was clear. The dungeon. They assumed some catastrophic event was unfolding¡ªa disaster capable of leveling the city. Yet, when they arrived, only a single dungeon stood before them, radiating unimaginable power. All hunters stationed near the dungeon collapsed under the crushing weight of the aura. Only a handful remained conscious, but even they were unable to stand. The aura blanketing the city was thick and oppressive, carrying the suffocating presence of death itself. And the dungeon responsible for this? Inside, where Evan was using the vial just now. "Mr. Darian, do you have any idea what the hell is happening here?!" Lilia shouted as she rushed toward the dungeon gate, where Darian was struggling to suppress the overwhelming energy surging from the dungeon. Darian gritted his teeth, his formation barely holding. "No, Manager. My formation wasn''t supposed to fail like this. The aura is seeping out like air, completely bypassing my restrictions. Stopping it would require at least a Tier 4 formation master, and¡ª" "But we don''t have one!" Lilia interrupted; her frustration clear. "If this keeps going, countless lives will be at risk! What the hell is happening inside that dungeon?! Do you have any idea what''s causing this?" Darian hesitated, his expression conflicted. He clearly knew something but was reluctant to speak. However, under Lilia''s intense gaze, he finally responded. "Branch Manager, don''t worry. Once this is over, I''ll tell you everything." Without waiting for a response, he refocused on containing the aura, though his efforts seemed futile. Meanwhile, hunters near the dungeon, whether entering or exiting, collapsed to the ground¡ªsome barely conscious, others completely out cold. The city trembled under the weight of an unprecedented force. Lucas and Ilya remained conscious for some reason, while Tess and the new guy had been completely knocked out ever since the pressure was released. '' Lucas thought, his gaze darting between his fallen teammates. '' Looking up, he spotted members of the association, and several other hunters gathered near the dungeon. At the center of it all, Darian was struggling to stabilize the dungeon''s mana fluctuations. "I need to do something," Lucas muttered, clenching his fists. "If this keeps up, Tess and Ilya might not make it." Summoning all his strength, he forced himself to stand against the crushing aura. His passive Dragon Fear clashed with the oppressive force, allowing him to stay on his feet. But moving forward was another challenge entirely. Just as he struggled to take a step, his system suddenly activated. __ [The system has detected the host''s will to save his loved one even against the odds of 0%.] [A new mission is being provided; clear it and move closer toward the Dragon God''s path.] [Quest: Dragon''s Will Quest Type: Solo | Difficulty: SSS-Rank | Time Limit:3 Hours Description: An unfathomable aura has erupted from deep within a dungeon¡ªso powerful that even the system could not recognize its origin. It is neither dragon nor demon, yet it carries an overwhelming sense of death and dominion. The host has been tasked with stopping this force before it spreads beyond control. However, with no knowledge of what the hosts are up against and the system itself failing to analyze the source, the odds of success remain a mere 0.1%. A force beyond comprehension has begun to awaken, and the host must stand against it¡ªno matter the cost. Objective: Suppress or eliminate the unknown presence, releasing the aura from the dungeon. Rewards: - +5% Dragon Bloodline Awakening - New Dragon Bloodline Skill - +150 Unassigned Stat Points - Unique Equipment - Mystic Pet Egg - ¡Á15 Level up. Failure Penalty: -40% to all stats for 24 hours. Do you accept the quest? ? (Yes/No)] Wow, system, what a generous gift. With this much on the line, I might as well be preparing to face a god in return Lucas smirked, a newfound determination surging through him as he accepted the quest. Despite the oppressive aura threatening to crush him, he pushed forward toward the dungeon, which radiated a chilling energy that seeped into his bones. "Miss Lilia, do you need help with anything?" he asked, stepping closer. Lilia turned to him and immediately encased him in a mana barrier. "Are you trying to die, kid? Back off! Standing near this thing is a death sentence. We don''t know what''s happening inside, but a hunter is in there. Either he''s doing something insane, or something terrible happened to him." Now shielded by Lilia''s barrier, Lucas took another look at the dungeon, activating his talent. But to his frustration, he found nothing out of the ordinary¡ªat least, nothing visible. The dungeon itself seemed stable, yet something within it, something not part of the dungeon, was causing the disturbance. He needed to complete the quest, but no one was willing to let him get closer. Even other experienced hunters had tried and failed. Still, Lucas persisted. He argued, insisted, and after relentless urging, they finally allowed him to approach¡ªthough only up to a certain point. He called upon his system to scan the dungeon, but the results were empty. Whatever was inside was beyond his system''s reach. Just as his hope began to fade, he had an idea. If he couldn''t analyze the problem, he could end it. A last-resort option formed in his mind: using his Dragon Flame Orb, a skill he could only use once a week. If he unleashed its full power, he might be able to obliterate the dungeon completely¡ªsacrificing one hunter to save an entire city. The decision was swift. A massive orb of searing flames, unaffected by the eerie aura, materialized in his hand. Before anyone could react, Lucas hurled it straight at the dungeon. "You moron! What the hell do you think you''re doing?!" Darian roared, watching in horror as the blazing sphere shot toward the dungeon, its terrifying energy sending chills down everyone''s spine. Darian couldn''t stand by and watch a kid like Evan die such a tragic death¡ªespecially without knowing the reason behind the disaster. Without hesitation, he dispelled the aura-restricting formation and swiftly constructed several layered barriers in seconds. If it had been an ordinary fireball, he could have neutralized it with ease. But the sheer power radiating from Lucas''s Dragon Flame Orb wasn''t something to take lightly. He reinforced the defences, ensuring the dungeon remained unharmed. Yet, the moment the blazing orb touched the formations, they shattered instantly¡ªas if they were nothing but glass in a storm. The orb continued its trajectory toward the dungeon gates, poised to obliterate them just as easily. But then¡ªit stopped. Without warning, the attack dissolved into nothingness, vanishing into thin air as though it had never existed. No explosion. No destruction. Just¡­ silence. Lucas and Darian stood frozen, staring at the impossible sight. Lucas, having poured everything into the attack, felt an intense backlash rip through his body. The overwhelming aura from the dungeon pressed him to the ground once more, leaving him gasping for breath. Darian, still standing, turned his focus back to containing the dungeon''s aura. Strangely, it was beginning to stabilize as if whatever had nullified the attack was now suppressing the energy leak as well. Then, Lilia stepped forward, the reason behind the attack disappearing, her sharp gaze fixed on Lucas. Darian didn''t hesitate to voice his frustration. "Manager, arrest this fool. He just tried to destroy the Association''s property and put countless lives at risk. If you let this slide, I''ll have to report your bias to Headquarters." Lilia exhaled sharply, clearly irritated. The last thing she needed was Darian dictating her actions. "Shut up, Darian. Don''t tell me how to do my job," she snapped. "I didn''t become Branch Manager through connections¡ªI earned it. And since you want to question my fairness, I''ll make things crystal clear with my actions." She turned to Lucas, her expression cold. "Lucas, for attacking Association property without my permission¡ªor that of the Branch Manager¡ªI''m placing you under custody for two days. Once this situation is resolved, I will personally review your case." Two officers, still standing despite the lingering aura, stepped forward. Without hesitation, they clasped mana-restricting cuffs around Lucas''s wrists. "Wait! Miss Lilia, listen to me! I was trying to help! This is a misunderstanding¡ªlet me explain!" Lucas protested, struggling against the cuffs. But Lilia ignored him. Responding now would only make the situation worse, especially in front of the high-ranking guild executives gathered around. The surrounding hunters and guild members merely watched in silence. None of them moved to help¡ªafter all, without a reward, why get their hands dirty? Lilia, standing beside Darian, noticed his stamina waning after deploying multiple formations to block the attack¡ªonly for them to prove meaningless. "Vice Manager, go rest. I''ll handle the situation here," she said, stepping forward and reinforcing the dungeon gate with her skill. Darian, breathing heavily, gave a slight nod before moving to sit nearby, exhaustion evident in his posture. Hours passed as they took turns maintaining the barriers around the dungeon, a task that was gradually becoming easier. The guild executives, though unwilling to directly assist, remained on standby in case a monster emerged from within. After ten gruelling hours of continuously suppressing the dungeon''s unstable aura, a flicker of light appeared. The oppressive energy that had blanketed the entire city began to recede. Officers monitoring the readings confirmed that the dungeon was stabilizing. The chilling pressure that had seeped through the streets dissipated within a few hours¡ªas if it had never existed. On the surface, everything returned to normal. But deep inside the dungeon, an extraordinary transformation was unfolding. Evan, encased in a black, tar-like cocoon, was undergoing immense changes, entirely oblivious to the chaos he had unknowingly caused. Even more shocking¡ªthe fifteen skeletal summons that should have perished due to his transformation remained standing. They surrounded him in a silent, unwavering formation¡ªas if guarding something of immeasurable importance. Their appearance had altered drastically. Their bones had taken on a new structure, their formerly tattered robes now fused with the same black substance that enveloped Evan. The sheer power they radiated was enough to stand against the world itself. But Evan would never witness this masterpiece. At the moment when the dungeon''s all-encompassing aura collapsed back into his cocoon, the skeletal guardians crumbled into dust, their newfound strength vanishing in an instant. The vial''s contents had fully integrated into his body, triggering a fundamental shift within him. A fragment of his consciousness flickered awake. And then¡ªhe heard it. The long-awaited notification. The one he had endured unbearable agony for¡ªthe unending cycle of being torn apart and rebuilt over and over again. [The system has detected that the host has consumed an unidentified vial substance.] [Body readjustment has been confirmed by the effect of the substance.] [Host is entering a temporary dormant state to stabilize the transformation.] [Warning! The full-body reconstruction process has begun.] [Prepare for extreme pain. Countdown: 3...2...1...] [CRITICAL WARNING! Host''s life is in danger of being consumed by the unstable transformation.] [Reconstructing host''s body... ERROR! Physique is not suitable for the host. The process is being terminated...] [System is experiencing interference from an unidentified force.] [Host''s body reconstruction is proceeding through an unnatural and unknown method...] [System has regained control from the unknown source.] [Physique suitability confirmed.] [Many Hours Later...] [Host''s entire status is being consumed in the transformation process.] [All talents, secondary classes, and non-class-affiliated skills are preserved.] [All other aspects are being reforged into the host''s body.] [Stats Compression Initiated!] [Excess stats are being absorbed by the physique, strengthening its foundation.] [System Alert: Host''s soul is critically damaged.(System Note: System is unsure how the host is alive with such damage on the soul.)] [Primary class bound to the host''s body is being consumed.] [Soul experience is being converted into Soul Essence to repair the host''s soul.] [WARNING! All experience points are depleted. Physique formation is directly affecting the host''s soul.] [Physique has detected instability and is linked with unknown relic fragments within the host''s soul.] [Few Hours Later...] [Host''s soul is fully restored.] [Full synchronization achieved between physique, soul, body, and spiritual mind.] [Status restoration complete.] [Caution! Host''s level, stats, and experience have been reset to the lowest possible state.] [Congratulations, Host!] [Physique Acquired: Death Monarch Physique] [A new [Physique] tab has been created.] [Special Privilege: Host''s Primary Class is being selected.] [Selection process initiated... Please wait.] [System has detected a relic within the host''s body.] [Physique and relic (Status: Broken) are synchronizing.] [Relic restoration process initiated...] [Energy restoration detected: Utilizing Physique as a fuel source.] [Restoration Progress: 1%... 3%... 6%... 8%... 11%... 32%... 45%... 66%... 71%... 86%... 99%...][ERROR! Insufficient energy detected. Relic awakening incomplete.] [Additional energy required to fully restore the relic.] [Few Minutes Later...] [New Titles Acquired!] [Primary Class Obtained: Necromancer (?)] [Class selection finalized.] [Host''s body is entering an unconscious state for adaptation.] [Estimated Adaptation Time: UNKNOWN] -- Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. What happened, everyone? If you want to see the grade of the Necromancer, make sure to come back later for the next chapter. Now, the real power levelling of a Rising Monarch will begin. So, say goodbye to the old Evan, who was fearful of everything, and say hello to the new Evan, who will be quite different. But don''t worry; I promise I won''t make him too heartless, so you''ll still like him! Chapter 134: New Start, Forgotten Memories. [Congratulations, Host!] [Physique Acquired: Death Monarch Physique] [A new [Physique] tab has been created.] [Special Privilege: Host''s Primary Class is being selected.] [Few Minutes Later...] S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [New Titles Acquired!] [Primary Class Obtained: Necromancer (SS)] [Class selection finalized.] [Host''s body is entering an unconscious state for adaptation.] He looked at the new class he had just awakened, his mind thrown into some new shi going on without his knowledge. A notification popped appearing again in front of him, up before he could even process anything. [Congratulations, Physique Awakened: Death Monarch Physique] That alone was crazy. A Monarch Physique. He knew exactly what that meant. A Monarch was a ruler, a born genius whose growth couldn''t be matched by anyone in this whole world. There were many types of Monarchs, but their numbers were small. From what he remembered, only four stood out from the rest¡ªaside from the ones too ridiculously strong for anyone to even think of matching. First¡ªthe Dragon Monarch, a pure walking disaster. Said to be the most powerful Dragon Monarch to ever exist, his strength was limitless, destruction his second nature. A killing machine that didn''t stop. Second¡ªthe Holy Monarch, whose very existence was hell for anything remotely demonic. His army of Angels and High Angels wiped out everything they considered impure. Third¡ªthe Blood Monarch, who didn''t even bother with an army. He didn''t need one. His own strength was above anyone else''s. He was called the Blood God for a reason¡ªhe once slaughtered another Monarch''s entire army alone in just a few hours. Fourth¡ªthe Titan Monarch, the only one Evan had the misfortune of meeting in person. That day? Unlucky as hell. The power he held was beyond anything Evan could even dream of facing back then. In his colossal form, he could literally crush people with two fingers. There were other Monarchs, but he had only heard their names¡ªnothing more. But one? One, he knew personally. The Death Monarch. And the reason he knew him? Because he killed him. That guy was a complete piece of shi. Cocky, arrogant, acting like every girl in existence would drop at his feet just because of his face. Evan had no patience for that kind of attitude. But that wasn''t why he killed him. No, the real reason was because the Death Monarch was chasing someone¡ªa girl Evan personally liked. Her name was¡­ ¡­ Why the hell couldn''t he remember? Before he could even think about it, another notification popped up. [System has detected a curse embedded in the host''s soul.] [Curse Source: Death Monarch Physique.] [Effect: Existence Removal.] [Removing curse¡­] [Curse successfully erased.] [Lost memories resurfacing. Brace for impact.] Then came the pain. It hit like a hammer to his skull. Memories flooded back, too fast, too overwhelming. His head felt like it was going to explode. Then, just as suddenly as it started¡­ the pain was gone. And a name slipped from his lips. "Nelys¡­" A blurry image of a girl surfaced in his mind¡ªa sweet, plain-looking girl who only wanted a normal life with the person she chose. He had met her during his first journey. And at first sight, he was gone. Didn''t matter that she wasn''t flashy or special¡ªshe was it for him. But back then, he was arrogant as hell. He thought he could just confess, and that would be it. Too bad reality didn''t work that way. Because Nelys wasn''t just any girl. She was a Dragon. And not just any Dragon¡ªshe was a candidate for the Dragon King''s throne, just because of her damn elemental affinity. And that title? Ruined her life. The moment her succession was announced, things went to hell. People started chasing her¡ªnot because they loved her, but because she was power. A future Dragon Queen meant wealth, status, influence. To them, she wasn''t a person¡ªshe was a prize. And because of that, she was always in danger. That''s how they both died. Twice. In his first First Life. He was a Magic Swordsman, she was on the run. When the big families of Nexus came for her, he fought them. And he lost. But at least, he took her with him. They died together. While in his Second Life, when he was a tamer and a hunter. This time, he wanted revenge. Guilds, powerful organizations¡ªhe went after all of them, cutting them down one by one. But he was being played. The real masterminds behind it all were the God Candidate who came for something but stopped to take the girl with him too. Nelys¡­ she died protecting him. Again. And he went mad. He lost himself in revenge and ended up dead trying to kill everyone involved. And now? Now, he had the Death Monarch''s Physique in his hands which is originally supposed to have with that way who maybe still alive somewhere, then what''s going to happen is he going to be fine or not. As the System didn''t stop there. [Host privileges are equal to a God Candidate.] [All world restrictions cannot bind the host.] Evan''s eyes darkened. "¡­So what would have happened if I didn''t have the Eternal Omniverse System?" [Nothing, Host. Your entire body would have turned to dust for trying to break a Monarch''s rule.] Tch. So, without this System, he would''ve been instantly erased just for existing like this? The world really was rigged against him. But this time? This time, he was done losing. He sighed and looked at his status. Now that the broken relic from before had completely resurfaced, his mystery was getting even deeper. But there was one problem. It needed energy. And he had no idea what kind. __ ¡ó Name: Evan Ravencall (Evan Windstone) ¡ó Race: Human (100%) ¡ó Age: 18 ¡ó Title:[Limit Breaker], [Holder of Monarch Physique] ¡ó Physique: ¡ó Rank: Tier 0 ¡ó Level: 1 [0 / 500 EXP] ¡ó Class: -Necromancer (SS) -Mage (E) -Weapon Master (F) -Blacksmith (B) [????] -Alchemist (S) [????] -Rune Enchanter (S!) [????] ¡ó Talents: -[Plunder] (?) -[Infinite Evolution & Enchantment] (?) -[Supreme Adaptation] (?) -[Transcendent Body] (?) [????] -[Replica of Halo of Luck ########] (?) [????] "Core Stats" ¡ô HP: 150 (Regen: 1.5/min) ¡ô MP: 100 (Regen: 1.0/min) ¡ô Strength (STR): 15 ¡ô Agility (AGL): 15 ¡ô Vitality (VIT): 15 ¡ô Intelligence (INT): 10 ¡ô Endurance (END): 15 ¡ô Stamina (STA): 15 ¡ô Spirit (SPT): 1 ¡ô Unassigned Stats: 0 ¡ô Attack Power:36 (Physical, {STR+AGL} 15 ¡ô Defense:30+160 ¡ô Storage Summon:0/10 "Abilities" ? [Elemental Manipulation] (SSS) - Fire (E) [36.12%] - Earth (E) [9.01%] - Lightning (F) [65.09%] - Ice (F) [0%] "Skills" Passive: Low-Grade Poison Resistance (Lv.2), Blade of the Tempest (Lv.3), Heat Rampage (Lv.1) Active: Shadow Leap (Lv.6), Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros (Lv.?), Leap (Lv.16), Mighty Roar (Lv.8), Meteor Dash (Lv.4), Seismic Rupture (Lv.2), Camouflage (Lv.4), Blaze Heal (Lv.1) ? [Class Skills] Necromancer (SS): Raise Undead , Necro Heal, Undead Storage, Death Bolt Mage (E): Arcane BoltMana ShieldMagical FocusSpark Weapon Master (F): Weapon Mastery (Passive) , Power Slash , Quick Swap , Basic Battle Instinct The first thing he noticed was his level¡ªit had been reset to Lv.1. "My level really did get reset, huh? Well, starting over is better than dying," he muttered, scrolling through the status screen. There were several new additions to his system. The first was his Physique, something he had never possessed before. The second was a new title¡ª"Holder of the Monarch Physique." He assumed it was a title given to every Monarch. But the third change was the most drastic. His old D-rank Necromancer class had undergone a complete transformation. Now, it had evolved into an SS-rank Necromancer class. Perhaps his class had been so low before because his soul was damaged back then. Now that it had recovered, he was finally given the rank he truly deserved. His stats, which were once overwhelming, had been significantly reduced. Yet, he didn''t feel weak. Instead, he sensed a stronger foundation¡ªa solid starting point he could build upon with his talents. A new stat had also appeared in his status window. Unlike the others, a note indicated that it couldn''t be upgraded manually. This meant there must be a different method to enhance it. Another interesting addition was the Summon Storage, which allowed him to store his summoned creatures instead of keeping them active at all times. A useful feature, no doubt. However, one thing confused him. "Hey, System, why do I still have skills from my previous classes? Shouldn''t they have been deleted or reset like my primary class?" [Your skills remained intact because all your classes and their related abilities were preserved. Do you wish to erase them?] "Oh, wait¡ªno! Definitely not!" he blurted out. "I was just asking! Forget I even brought it up." Who in their right mind would willingly erase their own hard-earned skills? Shaking his head, he turned his attention to another tab¡ªTitles. Now that he thought about it, he had never checked his previously earned titles. It was about time he did. [Limit Breaker] Grade: Unique Description: A title bestowed upon those who have shattered their natural limits and defied the constraints of their mortal potential. By enduring extreme trials, the holder has unlocked the ability to push beyond the boundaries of conventional growth twice. Passive Effects: --> Unchained Growth: Stat caps are increased by +20% for each rank-up. --> Will of Defiance: Grants a 10% resistance against mental debuffs like fear, charm, and despair. --> Experience Amplification: Gain a +5% bonus EXP from all sources. Active Effect: -->Endurance Surge: When HP drops below 20%, physical and magical defense increases by 30% for 10 seconds. __ [Holder of Monarch Physique] Grade: Supreme Attributes: , , , Description: This title signifies the one who has inherited and awakened the Death Monarch Physique, a legendary physique that commands death and life itself. The holder possesses unparalleled dominance over undead entities and dark energy, life and darkness transcending ordinary necromancers. Effects: --> Monarch''s Dominion: Undead under the holder''s control receive +10% increased attributes and +5% faster mana recovery. --> Supremacy of Death: Undead created by the holder last significantly longer than normal and retain 80% of their strength upon revival. -->Undead Will: Grants the ability to impose basic commands on weaker undead without consuming mana. --> Dark Affinity: Dark-based skills cost 10% less mana and have increased potency against non-undead creatures. --> Monarch''s Presence: Weak-willed undead instinctively submit before the holder and may pledge loyalty. __ "Oh goodness, the titles good," Evan said as he reflected on his battle with the demon Warlord. " So that''s why I thought back then, where did I get so much power?" He looked at the effects and then examined his physique which was the reason behind all of this [Death Monarch Physique] Tier: 0 Attributes: Life, Death, Darkness Description: A powerful physique that grants its holder a natural connection to Life and Death, as well as Darkness. This physique allows mastery over both necrotic energy and restorative forces, enabling the manipulation of life and death at will. The holder possesses a deep affinity for darkness, further strengthening their abilities in controlling the undead and wielding death-related magic. Class Effects: --> Monarch''s Growth: Grants +5 to all attributes per level. -->Affinity of Life and Death: Increases efficiency and control over necrotic, soul, and restorative energy. --> Darkness Affinity: Enhances the power and efficiency of darkness-based abilities. -->Monarch''s Presence: Undead creatures naturally acknowledge the holder''s authority and are more likely to follow their commands. -->Death''s Influence: Undead under the holder''s command experience greater resilience and longevity. -->Life''s Adaptation: The holder passively regenerates HP and MP when in areas rich in life or death energy. --> Undying Ascendancy: As entities of the Death Realm, the undead inherently resonate with the authority that governs them. As the supreme wielder of death''s power, the host''s subordinates grow stronger alongside them, gaining levels and strength while residing within the host''s shadow storage. The deeper the host embraces death, the more their summons flourish, perpetually bound to the ever-expanding dominion of their master. __ "What is this? Where are my OP attributes like +20 INT, +15 VIT, +10 END, or whatever the stats per level are supposed to be? I heard that even those with King and Emperor physiques or bloodlines have much greater stats per level than this." "Hey, give me a refund. I don''t want this physique, give another one." He shouted, but the system remained unresponsive, seemingly ignoring him and this continues for few minutes. "Hah... I mistook a piece of coal for a diamond," he said, resigning himself to the situation because of the last effect. He closed the screen and went to check the primary class gifts he had just received. The previous gifts were just +10 unassigned stats every level and a slight boost in magical power and mana. But now, the true leveling with this class would begin as he himself has seen the class of SS and SSS are like and if this is also same like physique then he is surely going to put a punch straight thought system face for sure after that.. "System, show me my class details and reveal the marvelous effects." He shouted as the system opened his class description, which he correctly guessed would be what it was supposed to be, not like some fake monarch physique. [Necromancer (SS)] Tier: 0 Class Bonuses: --> +1 SPT, +15 INT, +7 VIT, +20 Unassigned Stats per level --> +40% Dark and Death Energy Affinity --> Undead creatures raised by the Necromancer have +30% Strength, Endurance, and Duration. --> Reduces the mana cost of Necromancy skills by 25% --> Necromancer skills gain 15% increased proficiency gain --> +20% Resistance to Curse, Necrotic, and Soul-based attacks. __ "Now that''s my boy, worthy of SS rank class bonuses," he said, finding it the second thing he appreciated about the change. He checked the bonuses again with joy and gave the skill a quick look before heading out. ====== Raise Undead (Lv.1) Type: Active | Summoning Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: Varies (depends on corpse strength) | Cooldown: None Proficiency: 0% Description: Reanimates a corpse into an undead minion, restoring its mobility and combat ability. The strength of the summoned undead depends on the quality of the corpse and mana invested. There is no summoning limit¡ªthe user can raise as many undead as their mana allows. Effects: Eternal Servitude: Raised undead do not decay and persist until destroyed or dismissed. Soulbound Command: Can give orders mentally within a 100m range (+10m per level). Darkened Flesh: Undead gain 5% damage resistance to physical and magical attacks (+2% per level). __ Necro Heal (Lv.1) Type: Active | Healing Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 50 MP | Cooldown: 10 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: A surge of dark life energy heals allied undead and harms living enemies. The spell drains vitality from enemies within range and transfers 50% of the damage dealt as healing to Evan and his undead minions. Healing & Damage: Undead Healing: Restores 15% of total HP. (+1% per level) Damage to Living: Inflicts dark magic damage equal to 50% of INT. (+5% per level) __ Undead Storage (Lv. MAX) Type: Passive | Special Grade: Tier 0 Storage Limit: 1 SPT = 10 Undead Description: Creates a pocket dimension where undead minions can be stored for later use. Stored undead can be summoned instantly without needing a corpse. Storage Features: Undead do not decay while inside. Stored undead retain their levels and equipment. Effects: Shadow Call: Summon stored undead within 10m of the user. Soulbound Storage: If the user dies, all stored undead disperse. __ Death Bolt (Lv.1) Type: Active | Offensive Grade: Tier 0 Mana Cost: 25 MP | Cooldown: 15 seconds Proficiency: 0% Description: Fires a bolt of condensed necrotic energy, dealing magic damage to a single target. The attack burns the enemy''s life force, making healing difficult. Damage: Base Damage: 80% of INT (+5% per level) Healing Reduction: Hit targets receive 10% reduced healing for 5 seconds. (+2% per level) ====== "Hmm, so now I''m a proper classic Necromancer rather than a modern one, huh? Well, that''s both good and bad," Evan muttered to himself. "Good, because my connection to death magic has deepened. Bad, because I can''t summon the powerful warriors I had before¡­ at least, not yet. Maybe that ability will return later. And my spirit capacity increases with my level, so that''s a plus." Closing all the system screens, he decided to head out¡ªbut first, he checked his body condition. He was completely naked. Not even his undergarments had survived. Maybe it was due to the changes in his body. "Good thing I stored my armor in my inventory," he sighed in relief. "Otherwise, I''d have to spend money on a new one." He quickly dressed himself in the spare clothes he always carried, ensuring he wouldn''t walk out of the dungeon in tattered rags. Once fully clothed, he inspected his mask¡ª Mask of Concealment, his most crucial item. Fortunately, it was undamaged. Now, it was time to leave. The dungeon was suffocating him. The air was thick with heat energy, making it uncomfortable to stay any longer. Without wasting time, he summoned his undead mount. "{Zephoros}," he called. A dark, eerie shadow swirled beneath him before his undead horse emerged. Its menacing form radiated an ominous aura, making it the perfect steed for traversing the dungeon''s crude pathways. Evan swiftly mounted Zephoros and galloped toward the dungeon exit. The rocky terrain made riding difficult, but thanks to his talent¡ªSupreme Adaptation¡ªhis horse-riding skills improved by the second. Each moment in the saddle refined his control, making him feel more synchronized with his mount. After half an hour of riding, he finally reached the dungeon''s exit gate. His body ached, especially his thighs, from the prolonged journey. Just then, a system notification popped up. [Talent: Supreme Adaptation has further adjusted the host''s body to endure extended riding. You are now more capable of riding beasts.] "Oh, come on, just shut up for a few minutes!" Evan groaned. "You''ve been talking nonstop for an hour!" Approaching the exit, he didn''t bother dismissing his summon. Riding Zephoros, he stepped through the dungeon gate. The blinding sunlight hit his eyes the moment he emerged, forcing him to squint. But before he could fully adjust, something unexpected happened. A familiar voice rang out. "Hey, you! Identify yourself or prepare to be torn to pieces!" Evan''s eyes widened. "Huh? What''s going on?" As his vision cleared, he found himself surrounded. A barrage of skills had already been cast, their glowing energy forming deadly patterns aimed directly at him. At the center of it all stood Lilia, her presence radiating a terrifying killing intent. "State your business," she demanded coldly. "And tell me where the hunter who entered this dungeon is. The one who was supposed to raid this gate. Where is he?" Evan blinked in confusion. "What are you talking about, Miss Lilia? It''s me¡ªEvan. The hunter you met in the interrogation room." "Don''t lie to us!" Lilia snapped. "You can''t be him. He must be dead by now, and you''re just an imposter. Your face might match his, but your body doesn''t. No one could have survived in that dungeon for three days without supplies¡ªnot after what happened before." Evan froze. "What¡­? I was inside for three days straight!?" His shocked exclamation echoed in the air. And then¡ª - To Be Continued - What happened to Lucas? Is he still in custody, or has he been freed? Why is Evan being treated like a criminal? Find out in the next chapter! ???? Chapter 135: Again, in Interrogation & Skill Usage. Before Evan''s Return¡­ While Evan was still inside the dungeon, the situation outside had turned troublesome for many hunters. The entire dungeon area had been sealed off due to the incident that had occurred. A team of officers and association hunters had been stationed in front of the gate, monitoring it for any fluctuations. Their job was simple: report anything unusual immediately. For three days, nothing changed. Then, on the third day, a faint fluctuation was detected inside the dungeon. The officer on duty immediately alerted his superiors. Within minutes, the entire association sprang into action. A defensive perimeter was formed, and every officer and hunter stood on high alert, prepared to eliminate whatever emerged from the gate. Tension ran high as the dungeon gate''s fluctuations intensified. Beads of sweat formed on the hunters'' brows as they tightened their grips on their weapons. And then¡ª Something stepped out. A figure walked through the gate, riding an undead horse. The sight was shocking. The creature looked human, but its presence was unnatural. And the undead mount beneath it was anything but ordinary. The gathered hunters were seconds away from attacking, their instincts screaming at them to act. Yet, they hesitated, waiting for Lilia''s command. She, too, was in shock. She recognized the undead horse. She had seen it before. But the person riding it¡­ looked completely different. And as for what happened next¡ªwell, you already know. In Confrontation at the Gate Lilia stepped forward, her voice cold and sharp. "No, you can''t be the same hunter. You went inside three days ago. There''s no way anyone could survive in that dungeon for so long¡ªnot without supplies, not if you were at the center of the catastrophe." Evan froze. "What¡­? I was inside for three days straight!?" His shocked exclamation echoed through the air. Before he could process what was happening, a barrage of skills was cast on him. Debuffs. Restriction spells. Sealing formations. Even Darian, who stood beside Lilia, had already deployed multiple formations, locking Evan in place. Evan sighed. Struggling would only make things worse. Raising his hands in surrender, he spoke. "I surrender. No need to make things more problematic, Miss Lilia. I''ll cooperate." The officers around him turned to Lilia, awaiting her command. She narrowed her eyes, watching him closely. There was no deception in his voice. After a moment''s hesitation, she took a pair of mana-restraining cuffs from an officer and stepped forward. Evan allowed her to place the cuffs on him without resistance. If he was truly innocent, then he would be proven so in due time. With Evan secured, the tension in the area finally eased. The hunters lowered their weapons, though their gazes remained wary. Darian followed as Evan was escorted back to the association''s investigation rooms¡ªthe same place Lucas had been held for the past two days. While in the Lucas Incident. By the time Lilia and Darian arrived with Evan, Lucas was already gone. Two days after being detained, he had been released¡ªnot due to lack of evidence, but because of an undeniable force backing him. Lilia had tried to trace the source of the order. What she found shocked her to the core. CGA Main Headquarters. The Central Guild Association''s top branch had issued the command for Lucas''s release. This was not an organization she could oppose. Even in her entire lifetime, she would never be able to stand against their authority. She had no choice. Despite Lucas''s attack on association property¡­ despite her suspicions about the strange, immense power he had wielded¡­ she had been forced to let him go. The truth behind Lucas''s abilities was now buried. And there was nothing she could do about it. In Evan''s Interrogation Evan was placed under heavy surveillance. Every possible appraisal skill was used on him. Time and time again, the results were the same. [Evan Ravencall] [Hunter Class Rank:?] [Class: Necromancer] The scans confirmed his identity. He was, without a doubt, the same Evan Ravencall who had entered the dungeon three days ago. But there was one problem. His body had changed. His presence had changed. And yet, no matter how many times they appraised him, they could find nothing suspicious. Evan smirked internally. He had already anticipated this situation. Before getting arrested, he had modified his system''s display, ensuring that any appraisal attempts would reveal only what he wanted them to see. The item he possessed was beyond this world''s comprehension. No one could peer into him without his permission, and the result which Lilia got from all of this was: ¡ó Name: Evan Ravencall (Evan Windstone) ¡ó Race: Human (100%) ¡ó Age: 18 ¡ó Title: None ¡ó Rank: Tier 0 ¡ó Level: 1 [0 / 100 EXP] ¡ó Class: -Necromancer (?) ¡ó Talents: - None "Core Stats" ¡ô HP: 150 (Regen: 1.5/min) ¡ô MP: 100 (Regen: 1.0/min) ¡ô Strength (STR): 15 ¡ô Agility (AGL): 15 ¡ô Vitality (VIT): 15 ¡ô Intelligence (INT): 10 ¡ô Endurance (END): 15 ¡ô Stamina (STA): 15 ¡ô Unassigned Stats: 0 ¡ô Attack Power:36 (Physical, {STR+AGL} 15 ¡ô Defense:30+160 sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Skills" Passive: None Active: Phantom Bond ¨C Zephoros (Lv.?) ? [Class Skills] Necromancer (SS): Raise Undead , Necro Heal, Undead Storage, Death Bolt __ A basic Level 1 Hunter stood before them¡ªa Hunter who was supposed to be Level 40 or higher. That was the main reason they felt something was off. He wasn''t the same as before. After hours of relentless check-ups, Lilia and Darian finally entered the room. They took their seats, and the atmosphere grew tense as Lilia spoke. "Are you really Evan Ravencall, the one we met a few days ago?" "Yes, Miss Lilia," Evan replied calmly. "I am the same person you met after that dungeon destruction¡ªright after my test. I even explained the reason behind it and the summon you witnessed." "Then answer just two questions, and I''ll let you go," Lilia said, her sharp gaze fixed on him. "First, why is your status back to Level 1? And second, what''s the deal with your class grade rating?" "Oh, that? I''m not entirely sure," Evan admitted with a casual shrug. "But I think it has something to do with a fortunate encounter I had¡­ about three days ago." "What encounter?" "Well, as you know, the dungeon was in a mutated state. After pushing through countless challenges, I finally reached the boss''s core region. When I got there, the boss was in some kind of hibernation, absorbing¡­ something. He didn''t even sense my presence. So, I took the chance and launched a surprise attack, easily taking him down." Lilia narrowed her eyes. "And you expect me to believe that?" Evan continued undeterred. "It seemed like he was on the verge of evolving. When my summoned skeletons attacked him, his skin started peeling off, like he was trying to shed it and ascend to a higher form. But I reached him before he could complete the process. "Afterward, as I searched his body for clues, I found a pearl¡ªbig enough to fit in my hand. It was strange¡­ something about it made me instinctively want to consume it. When I tried to store it in my inventory, the system didn''t recognize it. So, following my gut, I decided to consume it. "That''s the last thing I remember. Everything after that is a blur, but one thing is clear¡ªI absorbed something called the ''Ethereal Soul Core.'' According to the system, it helped upgrade my soul and even changed my class from D rank to something beyond," which he knew is a real thing as he had witnessed its miracle in his past life to upgrade his class from SS to SSS. Lilia''s expression darkened. "No, that''s impossible. You''re lying. If such an item existed, I would have heard of it before. Do you think spouting nonsense will let you walk away from this?" "I''m telling the truth, Miss Lilia. Believe me or not, it doesn''t change what happened." Evan sighed. "And honestly, do you really think someone like me, a Hunter from a common background, could possess something so powerful that even high-tier Hunters like you are getting worked up over it? If I had something like that from the beginning, do you think that incident a few days ago would have even happened?" "But¡ª" Lilia wanted to press further, but Darian placed a hand on her shoulder, signaling her to step aside for a private word. "Manager," Darian said in a hushed voice, "I don''t think questioning him any further will get us anywhere. We already checked him with a Tier 2 Ascended Priest, and there was no sign of demonic influence or any kind of possession. We should let him go but keep him under surveillance. Also, we should monitor that Lucas kid to prevent any further trouble from these two." Lilia hesitated, but after considering the possibilities, she sighed and reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Let him go¡ªfor now." Before letting him go, Lilia asked one final question. "Alright, Evan, we believe you¡­ But first, tell me¡ªwhat is your class grade now? And why isn''t it showing on your status?" "Oh, right! I was going to request a modification for my ID anyway," Evan said. "My class is A-rank now, but I''m not sure why the grade isn''t appearing." Lilia narrowed her eyes. "Hmmm..." She intensified her aura, pressing down on him with suspicion. "Ouch¡ª! Wait, stop! I''ll tell the truth!" Evan yelped, raising his hands in surrender. "My class is actually S-grade¡­ and that''s it! Even if you put more pressure on me, I have nothing else to hide." Lilia remained skeptical, but she could tell he wasn''t lying about that as she couldn''t even think that he could get above S grade class from some item, which he did get but won''t tell her. "Fine," she said, crossing her arms. "Then explain why your skills are back to Level 1. And are those even the same skills you originally had?" "No, they''re not," Evan admitted. "When my class grade changed, my previous skills were erased and replaced with new ones. My level also reset because of my class." "Then demonstrate them," Lilia demanded. "If your class is truly S-grade, prove it." Evan hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Alright, but can you provide me with some Level 1 to 20 corpses? Most of my undead skills require them. Only two of my skills don''t." Lilia frowned. "Fine. Wait here." She called an officer and ordered them to retrieve monster corpses within the specified level range. But deep down, she was still unsure how exactly Evan planned to use skills on monsters that were Level 15 or above. While they waited, Evan turned to her. "Okay, can you put up a barrier? I need it for my first skill demonstration." Lilia raised an eyebrow but complied. She stepped back from the table and erected a mana barrier, signaling him to proceed. "{Death Bolt}." A streak of necrotic energy formed in front of Evan before shooting toward Lilia''s barrier. Upon impact, the bolt dispersed harmlessly, unable to leave even a scratch. Lilia sighed and dismissed the barrier. "Hit me directly." Evan blinked. "Uh¡­ are you sure?" She nodded. Shrugging, Evan fired another {Death Bolt} straight at her. The energy struck her body¡ªbut nothing happened. It dissipated into a faint black smoke, leaving only a tiny black dot on her clothes. "Well, that should be enough proof, right?" Evan asked. "No. Show me the next skill." "But¡­ it''s a healing skill," he said hesitantly. "Perfect. I''ll test it myself." "But it''s for undead healing. It won''t work on the living¡ªit might even have unintended effects." "Then it''s double the reason to try," Lilia said with a smirk. "Go ahead. Use it." "If you say so, {Necro heal}." He cast down his skill, and a nether mist came out of his body and wrapped around Lilia''s whole body. Being a living being, she was supposed to be hurt by it, but only her armor, which she always wore, was a little corroded, and it even instantaneously self-healed. "Now, is that fine, or do you need more?" "No, it''s fine. We''ll wait until the bodies arrive and test it properly," Lilia insisted, still determined to scrutinize every detail. After a short wait, an officer entered the room, carrying several bodies. He laid them down one by one¡ªthree were monsters: two goblins and a wolf. But the last two were¡­ different. They were human. The two young men, seemingly in their late teens or early twenties, lay motionless, their faces devoid of life. Darian frowned. "What the hell are you doing bringing human bodies here? Didn''t we specifically request only monster corpses?" The officer remained unfazed. "Yes, sir, I know. But I felt no guilt in bringing these two. They were trash in life, a burden to society¡ªat least in death, their bodies might serve a better purpose." Darian looked confused. "What are you talking about?" "Sir, these two¡ªone was a Shield Warrior (D), the other a Swordsman (C). They were murderers. They lured low-level hunters into dungeons and then slaughtered them to remove competition. We finally caught them, but before they could be punished, they took their own lives." The officer spat on the ground, which he also covered with his foot instantly so as not to get lectured for in-rage action. "Scum like them don''t deserve proper burial. If you want me to remove them, I will." He moved to pick up the bodies, but Darian raised a hand to stop him. "Leave them," he said coldly. "It''s better this way. We don''t have time for sentiment, and we can also check whether this skill works on humans with class or not and if it does, then what are the changes in them." The world was already fighting to reclaim its lands from monsters, both on the frontlines and within dungeons. Yet, some monsters were born in human skin¡ªpreying on their kind. Darian felt no sympathy for them. "Alright, use your skill, and let''s get this over with," Lilia ordered, showing no objections. Evan nodded. "Here goes¡­ {Raise Undead}." A chilling aura spread through the room as Evan activated his skill. The temperature dropped slightly, and an eerie silence followed. Then, the bodies twitched. A shiver ran down Darian''s spine as he watched the corpses convulse violently. Their flesh started to peel away, disintegrating like dry leaves in the wind. Strips of muscle and sinew crumbled into dust, leaving behind only ivory-white bones. The goblins and the wolf completed their transformation first, their empty sockets now burning with eerie blue soul flames. But the human corpses¡ªsomething was different. Their armor remained, clinging to their skeletal forms like remnants of their past lives. A strange energy flickered around them as if their very essence resisted the transition. Mana poured from Evan''s body, fueling the process, yet he barely felt the drain¡ªhis refined reserves handled the demand with ease. With only 56 mana consumed, the resurrection was complete. Five skeletal figures stood before Evan, their postures rigid yet unnervingly lifelike. A sinister presence surrounded them, stronger than any of his previous summons at the same level. Evan smirked. "Yeah¡­ these ones... are definitely different." [Congratulations, host! You have raised 5 undead from the dead.] [You obtained: 1¡Á Undead Wolf (Lv.16), 2¡Á Undead Goblins (Lv.12, 14), 2¡Á Undead Skeletons (Lv.18, 19).] [Do you wish to register them into your summon storage? (Yes/No)] ''Yes, do it,'' Evan commanded mentally. A faint black insignia resembling a deathly crest appeared on each undead''s forehead, signifying their bond to him. The moment the imprint settled, their auras grew denser, their power subtly increasing¡ªsomething that did not go unnoticed by Lilia and Darian. Most necromancers simply summoned undead through skills, pulling them from an unknown plane, their bodies formed entirely from mana. But Evan was different. He was what they had only heard of in old tales¡ªan original necromancer, one who reanimated the actual dead rather than fabricating them. Lilia crossed her arms, intrigued. "So, the final skill is your summon storage. Show me that, and you''ll be free to go." Evan, growing tired of her endless demands, sighed. Without hesitation, he activated his skill. Instantly, shadows surged from beneath him like living tendrils, swallowing his undead whole. Within seconds, they vanished completely, sinking into the void of his summon storage. Lilia''s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Interesting¡­ Okay, one last thing. Show me some of your undead''s tricks, and then you can leave." Evan exhaled sharply. "You just don''t stop, do you?" Despite his irritation, he complied. With a flick of his wrist, two skeletons emerged¡ªone armoured, the other wielding a sword. He handed his Swordsman Skeleton the Ignis, a blade pulsing with crimson energy. To his Shield Skeleton, he gave his Dusk Guard, a heavy shield designed for pure defence. "Go. Show her what you can do." The skeletons obeyed immediately. The Swordsman Skeleton dashed forward, its movements unnervingly fluid, like a seasoned warrior. It swung its blade down at Lilia, who casually raised a mana barrier to defend herself. The attack struck cleanly, but her barrier remained unscathed. However, the precision of the strike¡ªits angle, flow, and execution¡ªcaught her attention. "This thing moves like a proper swordsman," Lilia murmured. Evan smirked. "That''s not all. Show her the real deal." As if responding to his words, the Swordsman Skeleton suddenly retreated a few steps. Lilia narrowed her eyes. "What''s it¡ª" Before she could finish, a crimson glow enveloped Ignis, and an eerie hum resonated in the air. The skeleton lunged again, this time bringing down its sword in a precise arc. Again, the barrier absorbed the impact. But just as Lilia relaxed, a sudden erupted from the point of contact. Fire spread along the barrier, crackling intensely. The Ignis sword''s passive effect¡ªa delayed combustion¡ªhad activated. Lilia quickly dispelled the flames, eyeing the skeleton with newfound respect. "Not bad. A skill like that, hidden within a basic skeleton¡­ impressive." The Swordsman Skeleton took a knee before Evan, then seamlessly faded back into his storage. Meanwhile, the Shield Skeleton was having a rougher time. Darian, grinning like a kid playing a game, was repeatedly bombarding it with Tier-0 Fireballs. The undead raised its Dusk Guard, attempting to withstand the assault, but the barrage continued mercilessly. Evan watched in mild amusement. "Are you seriously bullying my tank right now?" Darian grinned. "Just testing its durability." Lilia chuckled. "You better have a way to counter ranged attacks. Otherwise, that thing''s nothing but a punching bag." Evan smirked. "Oh, don''t worry. I''ll show you soon enough." Even though the Skeleton Tank had infinite stamina, the relentless assault from Darian''s fireballs still inflicted damage. Evan wasn''t about to let his summon crumble just yet. {Necro Heal} A dark mist enveloped the skeleton, repairing its fractured bones in mere seconds. Darian paused mid-attack, intrigued by the healing ability. "Interesting," he muttered. Now fully restored, the Skeleton Tank activated its class skill and charged straight at Darian. Darian smirked and casually raised a Tier-0 barrier, curious to see what the summon could do. The Shield Bash landed, causing a faint dent in the barrier¡ªbut not enough to break it. Undeterred, the skeleton hurled its shield at the same spot. Just as everyone assumed it would retrieve its shield, the skeleton did something unexpected. With a fluid motion, it reached into its armor and drew a concealed dagger-like sword¡ªa weapon likely hidden by its previous owner for sabotage. Lilia''s eyes widened. "A hidden weapon? That''s¡­ unusual for an undead." Evan smirked. Without hesitation, the skeleton slashed forward¡ªand this time, the barrier shattered completely. Before Darian could react, the dagger was already mid-swing, about to reach him¡ª "Enough." Evan''s command was absolute. The Skeleton Tank halted instantly, then faded back into his summon storage. Lilia chuckled. "Well, that was quite a show." Evan rolled his shoulders, exhaustion setting in. "Yeah, yeah. Now, can I go home? I''ve been inside a dungeon for three days straight, and I feel itchy as hell." Lilia let out a soft laugh before nodding. "Alright, you''re free to go. We''ve evaluated your class skills, and I have to say¡ªyou''re a rare gem. If you ever decide to join the Hunter Association, come straight to me. I''ll personally train you." Evan raised a brow. "You? A manager? Training hunters?" She smirked. "Oh, I do more than just manage." Shaking his head, Evan turned to leave¡ªbut not before catching Lilia''s whispered words to Darian. "Hush¡­ this guy is full of surprises. But his biggest downfall as a necromancer is obvious¡ªhis summons can''t grow stronger like him. That kind of flaw can cripple his entire class in the long run¡­ unless he finds a way to enhance them. Still¡­ I have a feeling he''s hiding something." Evan''s grin widened as he walked away. ''Cunning as always, huh? But sorry, Miss Manager, you have no idea¡­ The Death Monarch''s perks allow me to upgrade my summons.'' At the main gate, an officer saw him off. "Sir, I''m a fan of your skills now! If you ever get the chance, wanna raid a dungeon with me? I''d love to see your undead army wreck monsters up close." Evan smirked. "I''ll think about it. But first, I need to level up." With that, he signalled his taxi driver. By the time he arrived at his apartment, the city was still on edge from the incident he had caused. The uneasy atmosphere weighed on him. '' Though he hadn''t intended for things to escalate that way, he still felt a sense of guilt. If he had used the Vial outside the dungeon, the consequences would have been catastrophic. Shaking off his thoughts, Evan unlocked his door and stepped inside. He didn''t bother changing. He didn''t check his messages. He collapsed straight onto his bed¡ªand almost immediately, he was pulled into a strange dream. This time, however, something was different. The mysterious girl¡­ her face was clearer. Her voice¡ªaudible. A faint smile formed on Evan''s lips as the dream unfolded. - To Be Continued. If you feel captivated by the story, then please join me on the adventure.